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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



THE 



GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 



TRUE HAPPINESS. 



REV. HUGH WHITE, A. M., 

CURATE OF ST. MARY'S PARISH, AND AUTHOR OF '* MEDITATIONS Of 
PRAYER," " THE BELIEVER,'' &C. <fcr. 



FROM THE FIFTH LONDON EDITION. 



' PHILADELPHIA: 
HERMAN HOOKER,— 206 CHESTNUT STREET 






1848. 






; 



Wm. S. Young, Printer. 



LC Control Number 




tmp96 027741 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 



The Love of God, 15 — 38 

The object of the work — Idolatrous love; unsatis- 
fying — The love of God; perfectly satisfying — 
Illustrated by earthly affections — The Gospel 
scheme — The happiness that flows from loving 
the Saviour — Exhortation to those who feel this 
divine love. 

CHAPTER II. 

The Service of God, 39—50 

A service of love — Obligations to the Redeemer 
— Obedience to God's commandments — Love 
sweetens service — The Missionary — St. Paul — 
A question answered. 

CHAPTER III. 

The Service of God, 50 — 67 

Its intrinsic grandeur — A laudable seeking for 
glory and honour — Consistent with humility — 
Different objects of human pursuit — The Chris- 
tian Minister — George the Third — Wilberforce 
— Sir Matthew Hale — Retrospective view. 



IV CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER IV. 

The Christian's Hope, 67 — 79 

Superiority of the Christian's happiness in glorify- 
ing God — The dignity imparted to soul and body 
by the service of God — Interest imparted to 
every occupation — The insufficiency of earthly 
hope — Always disappointing — The Christian's 
hope "contrasted — Glorious; sure; full of im- 
mortality. 

CHAPTER V. 

. 79—95 

Various causes of anxiety — Insecurity of earthly 
happiness — A domestic scene — Selfish solici- 
tude — The Gospel antidote — Trust in God- 
Cheerful confidingness in His love— Satisfied 
with all his appointments — Earthly desires mo- 
derated — Chief happiness secure — The Holy 
Spirit, the Comforter. 

CHAPTER VI. 

The Fear or Death, 95—106 

Haunts the worldling — Cannot be always banished 
— Domestic visitations — The Christian's triumph 
— Confidence in the Saviour — A specific for true 
enjoyment — The world viewed in its proper light 
— Heaven the Christian's home — Contrast be- 
tween the Christian and the worldling in the 
prospect of eternity. 

CHAPTER VII. 
The Christian Character, . . ... 106 — 123 

Character essential to happiness — The character 
of God ; manifested in the Saviour — Conformity 
to it indispensable — The Holy Spirit's office— 



CONTENTS. V 

The Beatitudes— Humility — exemplified in the 
Redeemer — The Gospel provision for its culti- 
vation — Promotes happiness by exciting grati- 
tude to God ; and meekness under provocation 
from man — Contrasted effects of pride — Exhor- 
tation to cultivate Christian humility. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

The Christian Character, .... 123 — 130 

Covetousness — Ambition — Haman — Solomon — 
Contentment under every providential disap- 
pointment — The Saviour's example. 

CHAPTER IX. 

The Christian Character, .... 130 — 150 

Resentment — The misery it inflicts— Duelling — 
Its sinfulness — Opposed to the precepts and ex- 
ample of the Saviour — The Lord's prayer — Wil- 
berforce — Eternal consequences of this sin — A 
Court of Honour — Petitions — Forgivingness — 
Stephen — The Saviour — Devotional enjoyments 
—Prayer— The Scriptures— The Sabbath— The 
Sacramental Table. 

CHAPTER X. 

The Christian Character, .... 150 — 176 

Love; the essence of the Saviour's character — Re- 
demption — Creation — Proper self-love — Selfish- 
ness — Kindred passions — Contrast of Christian 
love — Howard — Wilberforce — The salvation of 
souls — Missionary labours; abroad; at home — 
Multiplied channels of happiness — The animal 
creation — Other features of the Saviour's cha- 
racter — Tts divine love recommended for imita- 
tion — Satan's influence — The Holy Spirit. 



VI CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XL 

Christian Cheerfulness, . . . . 176 — 192 

Indulgences forbidden — Sinful pleasures — Sources 
of innocent enjoyment — Self-denial and tempe- 
rance required — Christian cheerfulness ; be- 
comes the believer; recommends the gospel; 
glorifies God — The world's mistaken estimate of 
true happiness — Its distinguishing characteris- 
tics — The pleasures which flow through the 
channel of the senses — The Christian's advan- 
tage over the worldling. 

CHAPTER XI L 

Intellectual Enjoyments, .... 192 — 203 

The intellect employed on religious subjects — 
Astronomy — the Christian astronomer — Other 
scientific pursuits — Caution as to classical stu- 
dies — Beautiful scenery — Creation a type of 
Christ — Cowper — Address to the Saviour — Mu- 
sic — Its legitimate use — Public worship — Fa- 
mily worship. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Pleasures of the Imagination, . . . 204—231 

The influence of the imagination — Power of poe- 
try — Its abuse — The guilt of making it the mi- 
nister of sin — Its consecration to the service of 
God — Milton — The imagination employed on 
Scriptural subjects — Retrospectively — Old Tes- 
tament History — The Saviour — Prospectively — 
The Millennium — Heaven — Beneficial results- 
Novel reading — Pernicious effects — Religious 
fiction — Cautions — Religions works recommend- 
ed—The Bible. 



CONTENTS. Vll 

CHAPTER XIV. 
Theatrical Amusements, .... 231 — 240 

Their anti-scriptural character — Injurious conse- 
quences — Testimonies — Wilberforce — Hannah 
More — Gisborne — Doctor Bennet — Angel James 
— Rev. Peter Roe. 

CHAPTER XV. 

Social Intercourse, *, 240 — 262 

Worldly society — Atmosphere of selfishness — 
Christian society — Atmosphere of love — Worldly 
amusements — Gambling — Their essential sin- 
fulness — To be happy without God — Contrast of 
Christian intercourse — Danger of worldly com- 
panionship — Blessings of Christian friendship — 
Admonitory hints to Christians — Topics of con- 
versation — Superiority of the Christian's — A 
word of warning to the professing Church — Suit- 
able style of religious conversation — Its benefi- 
cial results. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

The Domestic Affections, .... 263 — 284 
Love the element of the Christian character — The 
domestic affections purified and elevated by re- 
ligion — Preserved from idolatrous excess — Assi- 
milated to Christ's love — Contrast of worldly 
affections — Expostulation with worldly parents 
— Dr. Chalmers — A Christian home — Its devo- 
tions; occupations; enjoyments; trials; conso- 
lations; separation by death; re-union in hea- 
ven — Address to Christian parents ; and children 
— Christendom composed of Christian families 
— Missionary cause — Outpouring of the Holy 
Spirit — Glorious results. 



Vlll CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XVir. 

Concluding Address, . . . . . 284 — 309 

Reader addressed as an inquirer after happiness- 
Retrospective view of the work — The pledge re- 
deemed — Appeal to the reader — The under- 
standing but not the heart convinced — Expostu- 
lation — Toplady's hymn — Dwight on Regenera- 
tion — True pleasure — A foolish choice — Objec- 
tions answered — Causes of apparent or real 
melancholy in religious professors — Infallible 
testimony; human; angelic; divine — The young 
— The middle-aged — The old — Reader address- 
ed as a professing Christian — The Cross — The 
almost-Christian — Affliction— Death — Day of 
Judgment — Eternity — Hell— Heaven — Conclu- 
ding appeal. 



PREFACE 



It may be desirable, to prevent mistake or disap- 
pointment, to state briefly the design of the follow- 
ing work. 

I have been, in some measure, led to the subject 
I have chosen, and the light in which I have repre- 
sented it,* by what I have witnessed, since last I ap- 
peared before the public, of the power of the Gospel, 
understood and embraced as I have described. I 
have seen its power gloriously exhibited in enabling 
a sufferer of years to endure intense and protracted 
agony with a patiencej I should say, a cheerfulness 
of resignation, that was never ruffled with a passing 
murmur of discontent; and to enjoy with uninter- 
rupted thankfulness of peace that was undarkened 
by a passing cloud of doubt or fear — an humble holy 
peace — resting exclusively on the merits of that 
Redeemer in whom she trusted with undivided de- 
pendence; and stamped by the Holy Spirit with the 
authenticating impress of His seal — "the image and 
superscription of God" — traced, with beautiful clear- 
ness, in every feature of her character, and every 
action of her life — a peace which sorrow^ served 
only to deepen, and death itself had no power to dis- 
2 



X PREFACE. 

turb; for beside the dying bed a Voice was heard— a 
Voice that never speaks in vain — whispering — "I 
will never leave thee, nor forsake thee!" — and, lis- 
tening to the comforting assurances of that well- 
known Voice, and leaning on the almighty arm of 
Him whose love it revealed, she walked with calm 
composure through the dark valley of the shadow 
of death — exclaiming, in the meek confidence of 
unconquerable faith — "I will fear no evil, for Thou 
art with me !" 

And I have also seen the power of the Gospel to 
impart such deep serenity of soul — such unfailing 
cheerfulness— such holy joy, to one arrested by the 
hand of disease in the bright morning of youth, as 
diffused through her sick chamber an atmosphere of 
sunshine, so unclouded that Christian friends de- 
lighted to come there, to be refreshed by witnessing 
the Saviour's faithfulness and tenderness to one of 
His flock; and the peculiar loveliness of the Chris- 
tian character, when the heart, in all the freshness 
of its young affections, is given to God — displayed 
in the sweet smile which told that the peace of God 
dwelt within — the gentle voice which delighted to 
speak of a Saviour's love, and on whose lips the law 
of kindness continually dwelt — "the ornament of a 
meek and quiet spirit, which, in the sight of God, 
is of great price" — her delight in the Sabbath and 
the Scriptures — the deep devoted ness of her love to 
Him who died for us, which enabled her to rejoice 
in the prospect of death, not from an impatient 
desire to escape from suffering, but from a holy de- 



PREFACE. XI 

sire to "depart and be with Christ" — an unwavering 
faith that trusted triumphantly in the Redeemer's 
righteousness, combined with an unaffected humility 
that entirely renounced all reliance on her own— and 
an uncomplaining submission, sweetened by a spirit 
of thankful contentment, which, in the most affect- 
ing language, spoke the inmost feelings of her heart 
under all her sufferings — "Father! not my will, but 
Thine be done !" 

I have seen these unanswerable proofs of the truth 
of that touching testimony of Cowper's, to the con- 
solatory and gladdening influence of the Gospel — 
that, whatever be the sorrows of the Christian, 

''The soul, reposing on assured relief, 
Feels herself happy amidst all her grief, 
Forgets her labour as she toils along, 
Weeps tears of joy, and bursts into a song!" 

And having witnessed such triumphant displays of 
the power of the Gospel, I felt that, debarred, as I 
am, by my state of health, from the privilege I once 
enjoyed, of " preaching the unsearchable riches of 
Christ," I could not better employ the leisure time 
which seclusion from the active duties of the minis- 
try afforded me, than in endeavouring to recom- 
mend, to my fellow-travellers through the vale of 
tears, that Gospel whose blessed influences I had 
thus witnessed, that it might prove to them, also, a 
ministering spirit of consolation, peace, and joy, in 
the season of sorrow, in the chamber of sickness, 
and on the bed of death! 

But there is another aspect of the Gospel, which 



Xll PREFACE. 



I have been desirous to exhibit ; more especially for 
the sake of those (in whose happiness I feel deeply 
interested) who are entering, with all the ardent 
feelings and high-raised hopes of youth, on the jour- 
ney of life. 

I wish to prove to them, that there is not a source 
of earthly enjoyment, which, even as rational beings, 
they could consistently desire, that the Gospel for- 
bids ; — yea, more than this — not merely that it does 
not frown upon, but even explicitly sanctions — ay, 
and by sanctifying, exalts, and additionally sweetens 
them all ! This aspect of the Gospel I cannot, per- 
haps, better illustrate, than by alluding to a circum- 
stance which occurred during my visit to England 
last year. 

I was spending a morning with a devoted servant 
of God, in the immediate neighbourhood of Keswick. 
While gazing on the exquisite beauties of the sur- 
rounding scenery, eneircling that loveliest of the 
English lakes, a splendid burst of sunshine suddenly 
broke over the landscape, and lit up all its beauties 
with surpassing glory! It seemed as if a smile of 
joy was kindled on creation's cheek by the presence 
of her God. As I was looking on the scene with 
intense admiration and delight, the domestics of my 
Christian host entered the room to assemble for 
family worship. He immediately sat down to a 
fine-toned organ ; and, while sweet strains of sacred 
melody rose upon the ear, many voices were blended 
together in a sublime song of thanksgiving and 
praise, to the Author of all the beauties that sur- 



PREFACE. Xlll 

rounded us — the God of creation, providence, and 
grace. Now such (I could not but think) is the in- 
fluence of the Gospel on every purer pleasure that 
this world supplies. By pouring on them the sun- 
shine of a Saviour's smile, it brightens with celestial 
splendour every fair scene of earthly enjoyment — 
and mingles with that enjoyment feelings of adora- 
tion, and songs of praise ! Thus it heightens while 
it hallows all earthly happiness — and by purifying 
makes more precious every sweet source of earthly 
bliss. 

I have, therefore, endeavoured, in this volume, to 
prove that the search after happiness — that universal 
search which keeps so many thousands of the chil- 
dren of men in constant restlessness, chasing vain 
shadows, and disquieting themselves in vain, and 
which with such multitudes ends in disappointment 
and everlasting despair — will be successfully pur- 
sued only by the individual who has experienced 
the feelings, and is acting on the resolution, im- 
bodied in the pious Doddridge's beautiful paraphrase 
of his family motto — 

u Dum vivimus vivamus." 
"Live while you live, the epicure would say, 
And seize the pleasures of the present day ! 
Live while you live, the sacred preacher cries, 
And give to God each moment as it flies ! 
Lord, in my views let both united be-~ 
I live in pleasure, when I live to Thee !' ; 

Should this volume be honoured as the instrument 
of inducing a single inquirer who has hitherto been 

2* 



XIV PREFACE. 

unsuccessful in his search, to try the only path which 
conducts to true happiness in this world, or the 
eternal one heyond the grave, the path that is brigh- 
tened by a Saviour's smile, and bounded by the 
vista-view of heaven — I will, indeed, most thank- 
fully rejoice at having been permitted to glorify God, 
by the addition of even this mite to the sum of hu- 
man happiness; while giving undividedly the praise 
to that blessed Spirit, who can alone, by His al- 
mighty power, persuade any of Adam's fallen race 
to lay down, at the foot of the cross, the arms of 
his rebellion against God; and, with a Saviour's love 
enthroned in his heart, and the light of His counte. 
nance lifted up on his soul — reposing with confi- 
dence on His finished work, and rejoicing in hope 
of "His glorious appearing," to seek for happiness 
in the exercises and enjoyments, the pursuits and 
prospects, of that "godliness which has the promise 
of the life that now is, as well as of that which is to 
come." 

HUGH WHITE. 

Laurel Hill, 3d February, 1843. 



THE GOSPEL 

PROMOTIVE OF TRUE HAPPINESS 



CHAPTER I. 



THE LOVE OF COD. 



Among the erroneous impressions, which are so 
fatally prevalent in the world, on those subjects that 
are most intimately connected with our true wel- 
fare, both for time and for eternity, there is not one, 
perhaps, which more unequivocally proclaims that 
man's understanding has been darkened by the fall, 
or which exercises a more injurious influence on 
human happiness, than the belief that the religion of 
the Gospel is unfriendly to present enjoyment; that 
it requires the sacrifice of every thing which can 
conduce to render our journey through life a plea- 
sant pilgrimage; and that its distinguishing charac- 
teristics are a clouded countenance, a gloomy spirit, 
and a heavy heart. In order to expose the absur- 
dity, as well as impiety, of this belief, it might be 
deemed sufficient to appeal to reason, (however fallen 
from its primeval dignity, and perverted by those 
depraved passions, by which sin obscures its vision 
and biases its judgment,) and to abide by its verdict 
or the decision of the question, whether it is, a 



16 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

priori, a reasonable anticipation, that the service of 
that Being who is love, essential love, and the foun- 
tain of all true felicity, should be a gloomy service — 
that the consecration of our lives to Him whose 
loving-kindness is better than life itself, should be 
calculated to cloud the spirit with melancholy, and 
the countenance with sadness — and that a well- 
grounded hope of everlasting happiness in heaven 
should tend to deprive us of heartfelt happiness 
during our sojourn on earth ! Surely such sentiments 
are so self-evidently absurd, that to state them is to 
confute them. And it might appear a work of su- 
pererogation — indeed a very waste of words — to 
use any lengthened argument to prove their impious 
fallacy, were it not that the practical influence of 
this erroneous impression (however manifestly it 
may outrage the plainest dictates of reason, as well 
as revelation) is so extensively, and, as far as man's 
real welfare is concerned, so destructively prevalent. 
There is, however, one class of individuals, for 
whom it is impossible not to feel the deepest, the 
liveliest interest, and to whom this erroneous opin- 
ion, as to the influence of religion on present happi- 
ness, is peculiarly prejudicial, as it tends so directly 
and powerfully to dissuade them from entering on 
the only career in which true and satisfying happi- 
ness can be found — I mean those who are commenc- 
ing the journey of life, at that most interesting and 
critical period when, in all the enthusiasm of youth- 
ful feeling, the desire for enjoyment beats high in 
the human breast— when the passions are strong, 
the imagination ardent, and the thirst for pleasure 
so intense, that whatever promises to delight the 
heart, or to gladden the senses, is but too extrava- 
gantly prized, and too eagerly pursued. Oh! of 
what infinite importance is it to their temporal and 
eternal welfare, that religion should not appear to 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. I 7 

them invested with a repulsive aspect, hut arrayed 
in all her native loveliness, with that heavenly smile 
irradiating her countenance, which irresistibly car- 
ries to the heart the conviction, that "all her ways 
are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are 
peace !" 

For the sake, then, more especially of the young, 
I would desire to endeavour to expose the utter false- 
hood of this libel against the religion of the Gospel, 
which Satan, in his malignant hatred of the human 
race, so peculiarly delights to persuade his blinded 
victims to believe. I would desire to exhibit the 
service of "God our Saviour" in its true, its scrip- 
tural character, as the source of the purest, sweetest 
happiness that can be enjoyed on earth, as well as 
the only guide to eternal happiness in heaven. I 
would fain persuade those, who, in life's morning 
prime, are sjtting out, buoyant w T ith hope, in search 
of enjoyment, not to rest satisfied in this matter with 
the opinion of the world, but to make the trial for 
themselves, that so, by their own experience, they 
may ascertain, whether the smile of God will indeed 
shed a gloom over their pathway through life, and 
whether the hope of heaven will cloud all the hap- 
piness of earth. 

In proof of the position I am desirous to estab- 
lish, I shall endeavour to demonstrate, that true re- 
ligion is promotive of true happiness. I. Because 
true religion supplies the only object that can en- 
tirely fill and satisfy the boundless affections of the 
human heart. 

It requires but a slight acquaintance with the con- 
stitution of our nature, and the phenomena that on 
every side present themselves to our notice, in con- 
nexion with the sources of the happiness of our 
fellow-creatures, to be impressed with the convic- 
tion, that the affections exercise the most important 



18 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

influence on the happiness of mankind. Nor can it 
be overlooked or controverted, that the misplacing 
of those affections, the idolatrous lavishing of them, 
in all their strength and sweetness, on created ob- 
jects, (however deserving of them, or entitled to 
them, in a subordinate degree,) has been, ever since 
the fall, one of the most fruitful sources of that sor- 
row which has deluged our world, and rendered its 
history but too like the Prophet's roll, " written 
within and without, full of lamentation, and mourn- 
ing, and wo." 

In truth, to centre our supreme affections on any 
creature, even though the object of our idolatrous 
attachment were possessed of every exalted and en- 
gaging attribute of character, and entitled, by the 
claims of the closest relationship, to the fondest love 
w T hich a creature has a right to demand, is to run 
counter to God's design in bestowing those affec- 
tions. It is to erect an idol in the temple, — yea, on 
the very altar of the living God! It is to place a 
usurper on Jehovah's throne! It is to abuse one of 
His most precious gifts into a means of offering to 
the gracious Giver one of the most provoking af- 
fronts by which His majesty can be insulted, His 
name dishonoured, and His loving-kindness de- 
spised. And can this be supposed to be the path 
that will conduct the soul to true happiness? Can 
real, can satisfying felicity be consistently hoped for 
in such an insulting defiance of the divine majesty, — 
in such an ungrateful contempt of the divine love? 

God created man for Himself, to find in his love, 
in conformity of His character, congeniality with 
His will, communion with His Spirit, and devoted- 
ness to His service, the only satisfying happiness of 
which his nature is susceptible. God is therefore, 
Himself, the only object that is worthy of the su- 
preme affections of the human heart, or is capable 



OP TRUE HAPPINESS. 19 

of filling their vast capacities with a fulness of bliss 
commensurate with their infinite desires! In truth, 
there is in the heart of man, however debased or 
depraved by the fall, a yearning after some object 
more deserving of its entire homage, confidingness, 
and love, than the best or dearest objects that this 
world can supply. This instinctive yearning, which 
nothing earthly can ever satisfy, testifies to man's 
original destination and dignity. It is like a mag- 
nificent pillar of a ruined temple, which proclaims 
how noble an edifice that temple must have been in 
its primeval glory. It is, as it were, a spark of that 
celestial fire, which glowed with such brightness and 
warmth in man's bosom, in the morning of his in- 
nocence; and which even sin itself seems not to 
have entirely a^ienched, but left it still smouldering 
amidst the ruins of man's nature, as a witness to tes- 
tify of God, and, by pointing to Him as man's right- 
ful Sovereign, and only satisfying portion, to call 
back the wanderer to the forsaken path of primeval 
bliss. Yes! and since Jehovah formed man's heart 
as a throne for Himself, can it be supposed, that as 
long as man permits any idol, however attractive, to 
usurp that throne, he can enjoy true happiness, in 
time or in eternity? If he can, must it not be in 
spite of God? Must it not be by defeating God's 
design ? Or, to state the question in a different form, 
since it will be at once and universally admitted, 
that no individual can be happy, in any worthy 
sense of the word, contrary to God's will, does it 
not necessarily follow, that if man can attain to true 
happiness, by lavishing on an earthly idol that su- 
preme love which is God's exclusive prerogative 
and right, God must be Himself considered a con- 
senting party to this arrangement, and thus be sup- 
posed to sanction that very usurpation of His pre- 
rogative, which, as a jealous God, He is uniformly 



20 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

represented in Scripture as resenting with peculiar 
indignation and wrath? 

Nor need we fear to leave the decision of this 
question to the experience of the most enthusiastic 
and successful votary of earthly love. Let him 
honestly declare the result of his experiment of en- 
deavouring to find satisfying happiness in an earthly 
object's love, and let that object be as worthy of his 
affections, and requite them with a love as deep and 
as devoted as his idolatrous heart can desire. 

Now we do not deny, that such love will be a 
source of enjoyment altogether superior, in purity 
and sweetness, to that which flows from any other 
earthly source. For such is the happiness linked, 
by the appointment of that God who Himself is 
love, with the indulgence of every pure and tender 
affection which He has implanted in our hearts, that, 
though he who makes an idol of any earthly object 
will assuredly pay the penalty of his guilt and in- 
gratitude of God, in the intense anxieties and appre- 
hensions inseparable from all idolatrous attachment, 
yet will he enjoy, we freely confess, in the sympa- 
thizing affection and endearing converse of the ob- 
ject of his heart's fondest love, a happiness to which 
no other, which any earthly source can supply, can 
for one moment be compared. 

Yet even to him, in the moment of his heart's 
deepest bliss, would we fearlessly appeal, and ask 
him, does he feel perfectly satisfied ? Is there no 
aching void within his heart? Is there no ungrati- 
fied desire, which still torments him with a thirst, 
that all the enjoyments of the most devoted earthly 
love are utterly unable to quench ? Does he not, 
after having reached the summit of his earthly 
wishes, as he fondly hoped it would prove, experi- 
ence a sensation of disappointment, similar to that 
which is frequently felt by the traveller who is 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 21 

scaling a lofty mountain? How often does he find, 
that when he has reached the point, which, as he 
gazed on it from below, appeared to him the sum- 
mit of the mountain, he has been most painfully de- 
ceived ; that still the object of all his ambition and 
exertions is far, far above him ; and he must either 
toil on in fainting weariness, or rest where he is in 
bitter disappointment and despair! 

And is not such the experience of the most suc- 
cessful votary of earthly love ? Is it not even thus, 
that, after having reached the very point, in his pur- 
suit of happiness, which he fondly fancied would 
prove the summit of his wishes, he is doomed to 
find that his flattering hopes have been disappoint- 
ed — that he has indeed gained a point of consider- 
able elevation, raised far above the gross atmosphere 
of debasing sensuality or sordid covetousness, from 
which he can command an extensive prospect of the 
beauteous scenery stretched out beneath him, and 
where he breathes a purer and serener air ; but has 
not gained the point on which his desires and hopes 
were so fondly fixed — for that still heart-satisfying 
happiness is beyond his reach ? And further, we 
must, in order to exhibit more adequately the in- 
sufficiency of this purest source of earthly enjoy- 
ment, advert to its insecurity, a consciousness of 
which, even if it does not continually haunt the 
idolater of earthly love, must, in spite of all his ef- 
forts to banish the fearful recollection, flash frequent- 
ly on his startled soul the terrifying conviction, that 
the object of his idolatry is mortal; and that, there- 
fore, a single moment may tear it from his arms, 
and dash his cup of earthly bliss from his lips for 
ever ! 

Oh ! how must this dreadful apprehension come, 
at times, like a ghastly spectre, flinging the shadow 
of death over the scenes of brightest enjoyment, and 
3 



22 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

chilling the warm life-blood of happiness in the 
heart! 

Now contrast with all this the happiness of the 
heart whose supreme affections are centred on the 
blessed God! But here, beyond all other themes, 
the utter inadequacy of human language to express 
the deeper or loftier emotions of the soul, when 
flowing from a divine source, is most painfully felt ! 
For, what language of earth can convey the faintest 
conception of the blessedness of that man who has 
been enabled, by the divine power of the Holy Spi- 
rit, to choose as the object of his supreme affections 
the ever-blessed triune God ; and (as far as such a 
blissful state is attainable on this side heaven) to 
love Him with the whole heart, and soul, and mind 
and strength! Still, however injured such a theme 
must be by every attempt to unfold its blessedness, 
I would desire, in humble dependence on divine 
grace, to point out some of the more prominent 
characteristics, which exalt the happiness flowing 
from the love of God so immeasurably above the 
happiness which flows from the sweetest earthly 
source. 

If the happiness which pure love imparts be pro- 
portioned to the excellence of the object on whom 
it is fixed, must not the happiness which the love 
of the blessed God supplies be infinite as the perfec- 
tions of its divine Object, and as superior to what 
the purest earthly love supplies as He is superior to 
the most excellent of the children of men ? How 
exalted, then, above all earthly bliss must be the en- 
joyment which springs up in a Christian's soul, from 
the consciousness of having bestowed his heart's 
first and fullest affections on the only Being in the 
universe who is deserving of them! — the uncreated 
Author and Original of all excellence — the Object 
of the adoration of all the host of heaven — the 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 23 

Fountain of all felicity — in whom all conceivable 
perfections, in infinite degree and concentrated 
glory, are combined ! Oh ! is not this an object, 
indeed, worthy of the heart's supremest love? And 
must it not be unbounded bliss to centre it on Him ? 
Must it not bring with it an elevating conscious- 
ness of our affections being ennobled, by being be- 
stowed on Him who is the source of all real glory ? 
Does not His infinite greatness invest them with a 
dignity, which exalts them immeasurably above the 
most exalted earthly love — and His infinite good- 
ness impart to them a sweetness, which as much 
transcends the sweetest earthly love ? To love 
God! — to love Him who is himself essential love ! 
essential goodness! essential glory! — to love Him 
whom cherubim and seraphim adore and love ! 
oh, what ineffable bliss ! How does it touch on the 
bliss of angels! How does it shed round the soul 
the atmosphere of heaven ! What is the bliss of 
angels? Is it not to love God? Is not this the es- 
sence of their perfect joy? And what is the at- 
mosphere of heaven?. Is it not the love of God? 
And is not, therefore, the loving God supremely, 
even as the angels love Him — is not this to breathe 
even on earth the atmosphere of heaven ? Yes, to 
love Him who is altogether lovely — to love Him 
for His own sake, because of His infinite perfections, 
entitling Him to our supremest adoration and love 
— thus to love him, independently of the love of 
gratitude due to Him, as our all-bountiful Benefac- 
tor, to whom we are indebted for every blessing 
we either have or hope for, — this is indeed to come 
as near the bliss of celestial intelligences, and the 
spirits of the just made perfect, as in this world of 
clouded vision and crushing infirmity the child of 
God can hope to attain, as long as he is imprisoned 
in a vile body of sin and death ! Here, here indeed, 



24 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

the human heart feels that it has reached its long- 
desired rest ! Here, in the pure and purifying love 
of the ever-blessed God, its affections repose with 
full complacency — their every capacity for happi- 
ness filled — their every aspiration after infinite good 
and infinite enjoyment satisfied. As the needle, 
after all its tremulous agitations, when at length it 
turns to the point to which, by an invisible attrac- 
tion, it is drawn, settles there and is at rest, — or as 
the dove, after all its weary wanderings over a 
deluged world, when at length it returned to the 
Ark, found there the rest it had sought in vain over 
the restless billows of the watery waste, — even so 
the human heart, when, after its tempestuous agita- 
tions and weary wanderings, in search of satisfying 
happiness amidst the objects of this unsatisfying 
world, it turns at last, drawn by a sacred but divine 
attraction to its God, immediately it settles there, as 
having found the centre to which all its affections 
and aspirations were instinctively tending, and is 
indeed — in the most blessed sense — at rest! No 
aching void is now felt within the soul! All is 
satisfied — and satisfying! No yearning desire for 
a more wortlry object ! The heart is fixed on Him 
who is alone, but who is perfectly, infinitely, worthy 
of its love. No secret apprehension that the object 
is idolatrously, and therefore sinfully, loved. There 
is no fear here, but of deficiency ; for there is no 
possibility of excess. Could it be possible to love 
the blessed God too well? No lurking suspicion, 
that we have lavished our love on one who, how- 
ever fondly attached, must often be found altoge- 
ther impotent to relieve our sorrows, or administer 
to our joy ! Here the heart is devoted to one who 
is almighty to comfort and to gladden ; whose om- 
nipotence can accomplish on our behalf whatever 
His infinite love desires ; and whose smile not 



OP TRUE HAPPINESS. 25 

merely can brighten this wilderness-world into a 
paradise, but even open in our hearts a little heaven ! 
And, finally, here is no withering fear, that the ob- 
ject of our fondest affections may, by death, be torn 
in a moment from our embrace for ever; for here 
our love is fixed on " Him who only hath immor- 
tality, 5 ' and who will make the happiness that flows 
from Him, immortal as Himself! 

But, it may be asked, Is not this love to a being 
so infinitely exalted above our comprehension as the 
unseen,* the self-existent God, the enthusiastic vi- 
sion of a heated imagination ? Is it not a sentiment 
for which no other affection we can cherish sup- 
plies any preparatory materials or emblematic type, 
by which we may be enabled either to comprehend 
its nature or to illustrate its influence? By no 
means. So far from this, there is not a pure affec- 
tion of the human heart, flowing from any of those 
endearing relationships which he has himself ap- 
pointed, and as it were consecrated, which was not 
(we feel convinced) intended at once to draw our 
hearts to the love of God, and to shadow out, how- 
ever faintly it may be, the nature, influences, and 
manifestations of that love. 

Whatever, then, is pure and powerful in filial or 
in wedded love — whatever is elevated and endear- 
ing in loyalty to a sovereign, or gratitude to a be- 
nefactor — whatever there is of truth or tenderness 
in that sacred bond of friendship which unites two 
kindred hearts in one, — all these are found harmo- 
niously combined, but infinitely exalted, in the love 
which the humble Christian is privileged to cherish 
towards God. Nor can we hesitate to acknowledge, 
that whatever claims can be urged on our affections, 
connected with these relationships — claims similar 

* See this objection most satisfactorily answered in Wilberforce's 
Practical View of Christianity, Chap. III., sec. ii. 
3* 



26 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

in kind, but infinite in degree, exist on the part of 
the blessed God, viewed in the economy of redemp- 
tion as the triune Jehovah, our Creator, Redeemer, 
Sanctifier, Comforter, entitling him to our supreme 
love, loyalty, gratitude, and confidence, as the most 
indulgent of fathers, the most beneficent of sove- 
reigns, the most generous of benefactors, and the 
tenderest of friends! 

Nor let it be said that this is a fanciful and un- 
authorized assumption, which can find no warrant 
in the Word of God. Why does God reveal him- 
self in his Word, as standing towards his believing 
people in those very relationships? Why does he 
represent himself as our heavenly Father — as the 
Bridegroom of the church — as our supreme Sove- 
reign, Benefactor, and Friend? Is it not that he 
may, by thus graciously lowering himself, as it 
were, in his amazing condescension, to the level of 
our finite capacities and human feelings, assist us 
to comprehend at once what is the nature of his love 
to us, and what should be the nature and effects of 
our responsive love to him? Is it not that he may 
teach us, instead of losing ourselves in bewildering 
metaphysical speculations, as to the character of the 
love we ought to feel for him, to look into our own 
hearts, and there watch the workings of every pure 
and precious affection which the human heart can 
cherish; and then, having discovered their develop- 
ment, to divest them of all that is earthly and infirm 
in their composition, and concentrate them, in all 
their purity and power, on his blessed self? 

But it may, perhaps, be objected, that there is 
such an infinite disparity — such an impassable gulf 
of separation between the divine and human nature, 
that the exercise of those affections towards a fellow- 
creature cannot supply us with any analogy by which 
to comprehend, any standard by which to regulate, 



OP TRUE HAPPINESS. 27 

our love to our adorable Creator! For that there 
must be such an essential difference, in the very- 
nature and circumstances of the two cases, as to 
render it both unphilosophical and unscriptural to 
reason from the one to the other, in the manner I 
have stated above — or to derive even from the purest 
earthly affection any assistance in comprehending or 
cherishing the unearthly affection with which the 
Christian is commanded to love his God. 

Now here, in answer to this, at first sight, appa- 
rently reasonable objection, the most stupendous 
manifestation of the divine love of which we have 
received any tidings, or can form any conception, 
bursts on our view! For here all the grace and 
glory of redeeming love pass before our astonished 
and enraptured gaze! Yes, in the Gospel scheme, 
that God whose nature and whose name is love has, 
as it were, anticipated and answered this very ob- 
jection, by bringing himself within the reach of hu- 
man comprehension and human affections; and this 
by an arrangement of such altogether amazing con- 
descension and loving-kindness as would baffle our 
belief, were it not attested by evidence so unan- 
swerable as to render it the most aggravated guilt 
to doubt, and eternal death to deny, this inconceiva- 
bly glorious display of the love of God! 

By this scheme we find the blessed God brought 
within the grasp of our faculties and affections, by 
his having himself become, in the person of the co- 
eternal and co-equal Son, a partaker of our nature, 
invested with all its essential attributes and affec- 
tions, and even with its sinless infirmities and sor- 
rows ; and thus at once, if we may so speak, levelled 
to our understandings and endeared to our hearts. 
Now, I do not for one moment forget what ought 
to be unceasingly cherished in the believer's most 
grateful recollection, that it was the primary design 



28 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

of God our Saviour, in this stupendous display of 
his love, to accomplish the redemption of our ruined 
race, by offering up on Calvary's cross, in the na- 
ture which had sinned, a full, perfect, and all-suffi- 
cient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction for the sins 
of the whole world, and working out an infinitely 
meritorious righteousness for the justification of all 
that believe on him. I do not forget that it was 
his primary purpose, in his incarnation, to enable 
himself not merely to stretch out the sceptre of his 
mercy to rebellious transgressors of his holy law, 
without infringing on the rights of his justice, 
shaking the stability of his government, or sullying 
the glory of his character, but even to make the sal- 
vation of the vilest sinners the means of placing, 
were it possible, the pillars of his government on a 
firmer basis, and pouring round every demand of 
his holy law, and every attribute of his adorable 
character, the splendour of a more glorious display, 
and the dignity of a more awful vindication. That 
this was the primary purpose of the incarnation of 
deity? in the person of God's own and only Son, 
we should ever most rejoicingly and gratefully re- 
member during every step of our pilgrimage on 
earth, that it may quicken our gratitude, deepen our 
love, and stimulate our devotedness to Him who 
hath loved us with a love stronger than death, even 
the death of the cross. And we may feel assured 
that this will live throughout eternity in the grate- 
ful recollection of every redeemed and glorified 
saint, continually deepening their love to their ado- 
rable Redeemer, as the purchaser of all their bliss, 
and will give ever-increasing sweetness to the song 
of praise which all his ransomed people will lift up 
unceasingly before his throne, saying, with one heart 
and voice, " Unto Him that loved us, and washed 
us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 29 

us kings and priests unto the Father, even unto Him 
be all praise, and honour, and glory, and blessing, 
for ever and ever." 

Still we cannot doubt that there was another 
most important purpose to be accomplished by the 
incarnation of the eternal Son of God, which bears 
directly on the subject we have been engaged in 
considering; a purpose affording at once the most af- 
fecting testimony to the loving-kindness of God, 
and the most abundant provision for the felicity of 
man ; and proving, with irresistible power of demon- 
stration, the position I am desirous to establish, that 
the Gospel is promotive of true happiness ! 

The purpose to which I allude, as designed by 
the incarnation of the Son of God, in connexion 
with the happiness of man, is, to supply the human 
heart with an object on which to concentrate its su- 
preme affections, which shall be at once so altoge- 
ther worthy of its love, and suited to its sympathies, 
as to impart to it, in the very existence and exer- 
cise of that love, a satisfying fulness of joy. 

And oh ! what can the heart desire for this pur- 
pose that is not found in unsullied perfection, and 
inexhaustible fulness in Him who "in the beginning 
was with God, and was God," and who became 
man, even a man of sorrows, for our sake, and for 
our salvation? 

Is it the excellence of the object on which its love 
is fixed? Here are all the divine perfections, if I 
may so speak, humanized — all the glory of the cha- 
racter of God softened, without being sullied, by 
passing through a veil of flesh! Yes! in Jesus the 
believer loves Jehovah ! the altogether lovely One! 
on whose divine attractions, rendered yet more en- 
dearingly attractive by all the tender and touching 
sympathies of a kindred nature, he can gaze with 
devout, yet undazzled contemplation, and love him 



30 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

as his brother, while he adores him as his God! 
Oh! what an exquisite adaptation is herein displayed 
to every desire and capacity of the human heart! 
All that is glorious in deity, combined with all that 
is tender in humanity — the adorable attributes of the 
Godhead wrought into the frame-work of a human 
form, and thus the high and lofty One, who inhabit- 
eth eternity, appealing to our affections in the gen- 
tle accents of a human voice, and the softened ten- 
derness of a human heart! What an object for the 
heart of man to rest upon, and on which to lavish 
all its boundless stores of love ! And what the bliss 
of that heart which has been enabled to do so by 
the grace of God ! 

And look yet more closely to all the wonderful 
qualifications which this divine object possesses for 
fully satisfying the most enlarged desires of happi- 
ness which can be cherished by the human heart! 
Does it yearn for convincing evidences of the love 
of the object on which its affections are bestowed? 
Oh! are not such abundantly supplied by Gethse- 
mane's garden, by Calvary's cross? Can we look 
there and dare to doubt the boundlessness of the 
Redeemer's love? Is it an assurance of sympathy 
in all its sorrows for which the heart longs, with 
that ardent desire which impels us to confide all our 
griefs in the bosom of a fond and trusted friend ? 
Behold, in Jesus "we have not a high Priest who 
cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmi- 
ties, but one who was in all points tempted, like as 
we are, yet without sin"— one who can sympathize 
with us in all our sorrows, and compassionate us 
amidst all our griefs, because he was himself em- 
phatically a man of sorrows, and, beyond all the 
children of affliction that have ever trod the surface 
of our earth, most intimately acquainted with grief! 
Yes, there is not a species of sinless sorrow that can 



0£ TitUE HAPPINESS. 31 

agonize the human heart in which the Saviour can- 
not, from his own experience, sympathize with his 
suffering people! No path of trial that they can be 
called to tread, which he has not trodden before 
them ! No cup of affliction which can be appointed 
for them to drink that he has not drained to the 
dregs. Poverty, persecution, insult, reproach, ca- 
lumny, contempt — the treachery of trusted, the 
death of beloved, friends— bodily suffering, mental 
agony — yea! even that most appalling species which 
arises from the hiding of God's countenance — oh ! 
he has felt them all ! He can feel for his poor, weak, 
fainting members under the pressure of them all. 
And (transporting thought!) by the omnipotence of 
his almighty arm, and the plenitude of his divine 
consolations, He can support and comfort their sink- 
ing souls amidst them all! Join to this his infinite 
wisdom to guide and counsel them amidst all their 
perplexities — his infinite power to shelter and pro- 
tect them amidst all their dangers — and all the in- 
exhaustible resources of the Godhead at his com- 
mand, to provide for their happiness in time and 
through eternity, — and surely we must be forced to 
feel that in the Lord Jesus Christ — even " God our 
Saviour" — the human heart is provided with an 
object for its supremest love, suited (to the utmost 
possible extent) both to its desires and its capacities 
for enjoyment — so that in loving this object su- 
premely, and enjoying the assurance of his love, it 
enjoys as much of a foretasted heaven as can be en- 
joyed on earth ! * 

But perhaps it may be urged, Is it not presump- 

* How fearfully do both Unitarianism and Popery labour to counter- 
act all that is beneficent in this wonderful arrangement of divine conde- 
scension and love — the former by its denial of the Saviour's deity; the 
latter, by giving to the Virgin Maiy, or other objects, that place in the 
sinner's confidingness and affection which the Saviour assumed our na- 
ture for the very purpose of appropriating to himself. 



32 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

tion in a poor, weak, sinful worm of the dust, to 
aspire to love the infinitely holy and glorious God? 
Now, in answer to this objection, (if, indeed, it de- 
serve an answer,) it must surely be sufficient to ob- 
serve that we are expressly commanded (not merely 
permitted) to love the Lord our God, and this with 
all our heart, and soul, and mind, and strength — that 
we have the highest of all authority for pronouncing 
this to be the first and great commandment — and 
that the absence of this love is the primary and per- 
vading sin of unrenewed human nature, the dark 
fountain of all human depravity, which brings in 
the whole world guilty before God.* Yea! and 
further, that in the Gospel scheme the very test by 
which the vitality of the professed faith in the Re- 
deemer's infinitely and alone meritorious righteous- 
ness is to be tried, is our love of the God of our sal- 
vation ! For, on the one hand, it is declared " that 
if any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him 
be anathema !" accursed of God ! And on the other, 
Jesus himself assures us, " If any man love me, my 
Father will love him, and we will come unto him, 
and take up our abode with him!" If, then, the 
want of love to Jesus exposes the soul to the fearful 
anathema — the everlasting curse of an angry God; 
and if the abiding of the everlasting Father and his 
well-beloved Son within the soul, (which must bring 
heaven's blessedness into that soul,) be connected 
with its loving Jesus, then assuredly it were a very 
waste of words to labour by argument to prove that 
it is not presumption, even in a sinful worm of the 
dust, gratefully and reverentially to love God, since 
this is only to comply with the express command of 

* This position is most triumphantly established in Doctor Chalmers' 
incomparable lectures on the Romans, where the principle of ungodli- 
ness is exhibited in all its awful features, as the uniform characteristic 
(amidst all the decorum of a Christian profession, and all the diversities 
of man's moral condition) of unregenerate and human nature. 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 33 

God, (the violation of which involves the basest in- 
gratitude,) and thus to fall in with the very purpose 
for which that God arranged and accomplished the 
whole scheme of redemption, even by the most stu- 
pendous display of divine love, to win back to him- 
self the alienated affections of the human heart! 
And if, as we have seen, the heart, when thus given 
to God in Christ, becomes, as it were, a purified 
fountain of felicity, springing forth in streams of 
such holy joy as is quaffed by angels and archangels 
from the fountain-head of happiness in heaven, then 
surely our first position is undeniably proved, since 
it is clearly shown, that by providing the human 
heart with the only object for its supreme love 
which can fully satisfy its unbounded desires and 
capacities, the Gospel is promotive of the true hap- 
piness of man. 

What indeed can be entitled to the name of true 
happiness if that which flows from the love of such 
an object may not claim it in a pre-eminent degree? 
What can be desired beyond the bliss imparted by 
the consciousness of loving and being loved by Him 
in whose smile of love the highest archangels find 
the very heaven of heaven to consist? To have 
such a Guardian watching over us continually 
with the tenderest affection, lavishing on us every 
moment the most endearing tokens of his love — to 
have such a Guide conducting us by the leading of 
his Spirit, as he guided the Israelites of old by the 
pillar of his presence, amidst all our weary wander- 
ings through the wilderness of this world to the 
promised land of everlasting rest — to have such a. 
Friend loving us with a love of which the fondest 
that ever glowed in a merely human breast can afford 
but the faintest emblem, and with all the tenderness 
of that heart which is the source of all pure love, in 
heaven or on earth, sharing in all our joys and all 
our sorrows, and brightening them both bv his sym- 
4 



34 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

pathy and his smile. Oh! to be privileged, at all 
times, and under all circumstances, to approach this 
heavenly Friend in prayer, and in the perusal of his 
holy word, and thus to hold sweet communion and 
converse with him — to seek counsel from him in 
every difficulty, and consolation in every distress — 
to confide to his compassionate bosom our every 
grief, and repose in his loving arms amidst every 
anxiety that agitates our soul ! Now join to all this 
the heartfelt happiness which every sacred ordi- 
nance — the services of the sanctuary, the Sabbath, 
the sacramental table — must impart, when viewed 
and enjoyed as a means of communion with this be- 
loved Friend ; — the pure and holy joy which love 
to him sheds round every grateful effort to promote 
his glory, thus making a life of devotedness to him 
(as a dying saint once declared that he had found it 
to be) the happiest life in the world; — the process 
of assimilation to his character, which must result 
from habitual and endearing converse with him, as 
the Friend of our souls — which assimilation, by pro- 
moting our likeness to the blessed God, in every 
divine feature of his adorable character, must pro- 
portionably promote our true happiness, to the ut- 
most extent of which our renewed nature is suscep- 
tible; — the prospect of spending an eternity of in- 
conceivable blessedness in the immediate presence 
of this beloved Friend — seeing him, conversing with 
him face to face — rejoicing before him in the fulness 
of heaven's joy for ever and ever! Combine all 
these sources and materials for enjoyment — the 
purest, most exalted, and most satisfying which the 
heart of man can desire or grasp — and then judge 
whether the world's opinion of the religion of the 
Gospel — that it is calculated to wither every spring 
of gladness, and cloud the spirit with gloom — can be 
a correct one; or whether it be not such a libel 
against the blessed God that its origin must be as- 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 35 

cribed to the enemy of God and man, the accursed 
father of lies. 

If these things be so, oh! what monstrous ingrati- 
tude are they guilty of who requite such love as ,the 
Redeemer's with contemptuous indifference, spurning 
all His claims on their affections! and of what ex- 
quisite enjoyment, what alone-satisfying happiness, 
for time and for eternity, do those deprive themselves 
who refuse that righteous demand of God when He 
condescends to appeal to them, saying — "Give Me 
thine heart," and lavish on some fellow-worm those 
affections which are his rightful prerogative, and 
which can find in Him alone an object suited to their 
vast capacities for bliss! How will such bewail, with 
fruitless agony and self-reproach, throughout a lost 
eternity, their detestable ingratitude in having spurned 
God's righteous claims on their supreme love — their 
desperate infatuation in having flung away, for such 
trifles of a moment, the immortality of perfect bless- 
edness, that was placed within their reach ! Must 
not this harrowing reflection be a gnawing worm of 
remorse that will never die, but consume their self- 
accusing and tormented spirits with ceaseless anguish 
for ever? Yet such is the ingratitude, such the in- 
fatuation of every unconverted man, in whose heart 
the love of God has not been shed abroad by the 
Holy Ghost. Yes! monstrous as it may seem, the 
natural heart of man, so far from being as it ought to 
be, all love, and loyalty, and gratitude to the blessed 
God, is declared by the irrefragable testimony of Scrip- 
ture, to be "enmity against Him!" And is not this 
testimony awfully confirmed by universal experience? 
What object is there, however worthless in itself, that 
the human heart, while unrenewed by divine grace, 
will not love in preference to God? Yes! though in 
right of His adorable perfections, He is entitled to 
our supreme love — and though, as our Benefactor, 
the Giver of our life and all its blessings, He is en- 



36 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

titled to our warmest gratitude — and though, as our 
Redeemer, He has even infinitely stronger claims on 
our gratitude and our love — and though it be unde- 
niable, that in loving Him supremely, satisfying hap- 
piness can alone be found, still, such is the desperate 
depravity, such is the deplorable infatuation of our 
fallen nature, that the love of the blessed God is al- 
together a stranger to our hearts, till the Holy Spirit 
has introduced it there; and we will seek for happi- 
ness in any and every path, except in the only one 
where it can be found, till that blessed Spirit, by lead- 
ing our souls into the love of God, turns our step 
into the paths of peace. Is not this an appalling pic- 
ture of the human heart in its natural state? Not to 
love infinite perfection ! Not to love the Benefactor 
who has bestowed life, and all that makes life dear! 
Not to love the Redeemer, who laid down His 
life in His love for us, and for the very purpose of 
winning our love! And this with a heart capable 
of, yea, and cherishing, the tenderest affection for 
every friend — the warmest gratitude to every bene- 
factor, except the blessed God; a heart that responds 
gladly and warmly to the thousandth part of the love 
manifested by Him who died for us on Calvary, when 
that love is displayed by a fellow-worm. Oh! what 
aggravated guilt is involved in such peculiar, such 
exclusive contempt of God, and of His claims on our 
gratitude and love! What will be the feelings of 
those who are chargeable with it, when they shall 
see this despised, this insulted God face to face, and 
must endure the intolerable weight of His vengeance, 
kindled into intensest w T rath by the rejection of His 
love! And what will be the anguish of bitter self- 
reproach, and agonizing remorse, which will torture 
their lost souls for ever, when they reflect on all the 
manifesiations of God's love which through life they 
received — on all the unnatural and inexcusable in- 
gratitude with which they requited that love— and 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 37 

on all the happiness, on earth and in heaven, which 
love to God would have poured into their hearts, and 
which they have for ever lost; preferring the frown 
of His wrath to the smile of His love, and gaining 
nothing in exchange but an eternity of deeply hie- 
rited wrath and wo! Oh! with what fervour of sup- 
plication should all who are conscious that the love 
of God is net yet implanted in their heart, pray that 
the Holy Spirit, (whose divine prerogative it is,) by 
an effectual manifestation to the soul of the love dis- 
played on Calvary, would plant it there, that it may 
bring forth fruit unto everlasting life; and that having 
bloomed on earth in celestial beauty, and diffused 
the celestial fragrance of a holy life, it may be, after 
death, transplanted to its native clime, the heaven 
from which it sprung, to flourish there in undecaying 
bloom, throughout a bright and blissful eternity! 

And how should those, whom the Holy Spirit has 
enabled to centre their affections on the blessed God, 
feel, and labour by every means in their power to 
testify their fervent gratitude for such a distinguish- 
ing token of God's unmerited love! How should 
they watch the holy flame of love to God with sleep- 
less vigilance, lest it should begin to burn dim, or to 
wax cold — -fan it by devout meditation, and converge 
on God's love, and all the glories of His adorable 
character — and avoid with scrupulous jealousy what- 
ever would tend to sully its brightness, or to chill its 
w 7 armth! How earnest should they be in their sup- 
plication, that the Holy Spirit, who first kindled, 
would continually cherish it by His divine influence, 
breathed over the soul ! How carefully should they 
guard against all idolatrous attachment to earthly ob- 
jects, and the indulgence in any temper or disposi- 
tion, any scenes or society, any pursuits or pleasures, 
uncongenial with this heavenly affection, or that 
might provoke its divine Author and object to with- 
draw, even for an hour, the manifestations of His 
4* 



38 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

love! How should they shrink, with the deepest 
abhorrence, from sin in every shape, as the chief 
hinderance to the enjoyment of that sweet communion 
with God, which this love inspires; and welcome, 
with grateful joy, ever} T affliction by which that com- 
munion is promoted, the consolations of the Divine 
Comforter endeared, and the preciousness of a Sa- 
viour's love more fully prized, and more intensely 
enjoyed ! With what cheerful composure, too, should 
they whose supreme love is fixed on God, regard all 
the changing vicissitudes of this varying scene, since 
they cannot, in the least degree, affect their supreme 
happiness, coming, as it does, direct from God Him- 
self out of heaven, and therefore beyond the reach of 
being intercepted by any object on earth! What a 
holy solicitude should the possessors of such a trea- 
sure evince, that their deportment, in every condi- 
tion and circumstance of life, should unanswerably 
testify, that in the possession of the love of God they 
are as abundantly rich, and as satisfyingly happy, as 
their hearts could desire! What a stamp of heaven 
should be impressed on all their conversation! and 
what a shrinking from every thing mean, defiling, or 
debasing, as so utterly unworthy of those, who are 
honoured with the highest honour that God Himself 
can bestow, in being the objects of His love, and be- 
ing enabled to love Him with the concentrated affec- 
tion of an undivided heart! Oh ! what holiness, what 
heavenly-mindedness should these highly favoured 
ones display before the world, as well as cherish in 
their own souls! And how should they long for the 
appearing of the divine Object of their affections, 
when He shall come in His glory, and at the same 
time regard death, if it should come first, as a wel- 
come friend — the messenger of mercy, since it comes 
to bring them into the immediate presence of Him 
they love — to see Him face to face, and to rejoice 
before Him with joy unspeakable, and full of glory, 
for ever and ever! 



OP TRUE HAPPJKJESS. 39 

CHAPTER II. 

THE SERVICE OF GOD. 

The second ground on which I would rest the 
claims of the gospel to be regarded as the patroness 
of true happiness is, that it supplies the only sphere 
of service that can worthily and happily employ the 
exalted faculties, the only hopes that can fully satisfy 
the unbounded aspirations of the human soul. 

That idleness is utterly incompatible with true 
happiness is universally acknowledged; and by none 
more readily than by those who are most enslaved 
by its bondage, and who are therefore most capable, 
from experience, of testifying to the influence which 
it exercises over its unhappy victims. In truth, from 
the very constitution of the human mind, the exercise 
of our faculties, and the employment of our time, 
in some pursuit or occupation, calculated to call our 
energies into healthful play, appear to be altogether 
indispensable for the enjoyment of true happiness. 
This being admitted, it necessarily follows, that the 
happiness resulting from the exercise of our faculties, 
and the employment of our time, must be propor- 
tioned to the excellence and attractiveness of the ser- 
vice in which they are engaged. And, consequently, 
the happiness which flows from their consecration to 
the service of God, must, in the very nature of things, 
as much surpass that which flows from their dedica- 
tion to any other service, as the blessed God surpasses 
in essential excellence and glory, a weak wretched 
worm of the dust — as much as the pure unfading joys 
of heaven surpass, in every essential requisite for 
satisfying enjoyment, the polluted perishable plea- 
sures of earth. 

There are one or two considerations, which may 
tend to illustrate the superiority of that happiness 
which springs from the service of God; and — 



40 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

I. — I would notice one, suggested by the subject 
of the preceding chapter, and at which we have al- 
ready very briefly glanced. The service of God is, 
to a sincere believer, the service of his best, his 
dearest Friend — the service of the object of his 
heart's supreme affections; and this imparts to it a 
sweetness, that to be understood must be felt, for it 
is utterly beyond the reach of an unrenewed heart to 
conceive. How much it is in the power of love to 
sweeten every exertion — yea, and even every suffer- 
ing — which may be encountered in the service of one 
round whom our heart has entwined its fond affec- 
tions, is, indeed, well understood, from the delightful 
experience of their own souls, by many who have 
never felt the constraining influences of the love of 
Christ. But even they cannot conceive what inde- 
scribable sweetness that love imparts to every effort, 
which gratitude may prompt, to promote a Saviour's 
glory! It is this which makes His service to be in- 
deed "perfect freedom," and enables the believer to 
declare, that its "ways are ways of pleasantness, and 
all its paths are peace." It is love to Christ which 
links enjoyment with every exertion in His sacred 
cause — which turns duty into delight, and renders 
the devotedness of the life to Him its own exceeding 
great reward ! 

What sweet sensations thrill through the bosom of 
a grateful child, when employed in the service of the 
parent he so fondly loves ! Or what pleasure which 
this wilderness-world can supply, is purer or more 
delicious than that which an affectionate spirit enjoys, 
when seeking, even by the most wearying labours, 
or self-denying sacrifices, to promote the welfare, or 
augment the felicity of the friend, who, for many a 
year of fond and faithful attachment, has shared, with 
the most endearing sympathy, its every sorrow and 
its eve^ joy ! 

Faint, oh! how faint are all these, as emblems of 



Or TRUE HAPPINESS. 41 

the pure, the exalted, the delicious joy, with which 
the heart of a Christian overflows, when he is seeking, 
by the consecration of every talent to the advance- 
ment of his glory, to express his love to his dear 
Redeemer — the friend of friends, — the benefactor to 
whom he is indebted for every blessing he enjoys, 
or hopes throughout eternity to enjoy ! 

With a heart glowing with the gratitude which a 
believing view of the love displayed towards Him 
on Calvary's cross cannot but inspire, must he not 
feel, in the service of such a friend, a happiness which 
has indeed less in it of earth than heaven? May not 
this with truth be affirmed of the happiness which 
flows from a beloved Saviour's service] For in 
what does the happiness of heaven, so far as it has 
been unveiled to our view, or can be brought within 
the grasp of our conceptions, essentially consist? Is 
it not in supremely loving, and from a principle of 
grateful affection and devout adoration, rejoicingly 
serving the ever-blessed God ? Could we ask one 
of the angels who surround the throne of the Al- 
mighty, what is the source, the substance of all his 
blessedness, can we suppose he would hesitate for 
one second what reply to make, or that he would not 
instantaneously point to the throne of God, and say, 
"His I am, and Him I serve! and find in His love 
and in His service the fulness of joy, and in His pre- 
sence pleasures for evermore!" 

And if the angels, who never sinned, find such 
fulness of joy, such perfection of blessedness, in the 
love and service of God whom they adore as their 
Creator, Benefactor, and King, what a deepened emo- 
tion of delight must that love and that service impart 
to the redeemed sinner, when he regards his God 
under the endearing character of his Redeemer, and 
reflects on all the humiliation, and sorrow, and suf- 
fering to which, in His altogether inconceivable love, 
He stooped, to accomplish his redemption from the 



42 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

everlasting shame and torment of a merited hell, and 
to purchase for him an undeserved inheritance of 
everlasting glory and blessedness in heaven! 

Yes, when the believer meditates on the vast, the 
infinite amount of his obligations to his adorable Re- 
deemer's love — when he thinks of the horrors of 
that place where "the worm dieth not, and the fire 
is not quenched,' 7 and says to himself, " There, but 
for my Saviour's love in dying for me, I must have- 
spent an eternity of agony and despair!" — and then 
thinks of the day of "the glorious appearing of the 
great God our Saviour," and of the happiness of that 
world, where glorified spirits see God face to face, 
and dwell in the light of His countenance for ever 
and ever, and as the glorious vision passes before his 
dazzled eyes, exclaims in a transport of holy rapture, 
" Th ere, through my Saviour's love in pouring out. 
His blood for me, even unto death, upon the cross, I 
shall spend an eternity of unmingled, everlastingly 
increasing bliss!" — can it be a source of wonder, that 
he should find the service of such a Benefactor a 
happy service — that he should delight to bear the 
yoke of such a Master — that he should rejoice in de- 
voting his life to the cause of such a Friend? Yet 
this is the service the w T orld deems a melancholy 
one! This is the yoke it thinks to be galling! This 
is the cause it shrinks from embracing, as identified, 
in its estimation, with unhappiness and gloom! Oh! 
that the blinded votaries of that world but knew the 
happiness they lose, both for time and for eternity, 
by preferring its service to the service of the Son of 
God ! — that they could but taste, were it only for one 
hour, the sweetness of labouring in His cause, who 
has purchased for His people every precious blessing 
which the God of grace and glory can bestow, with 
his own out-poured blood! Then would they know, 
that there is more real happiness in suffering for His 
sake, than the most boasted pleasures which the 



OP TRUE HAPPINESS. 43 

world they idolize can supply! Then would they 
understand, that by the fatal choice which they have 
made of the world's service in preference to the Sa- 
viour's, they are cheating their own souls of present 
happiness, as well as of eternal bliss — that they are 
flinging away the enjoyments both of earth and hea- 
ven — that they are purchasing everlasting anguish 
with present disquietude — that they are indeed for- 
saking their own mercies, and by listening to the 
suggestions of the father of lies, like our first parents, 
banishing themselves for ever from the paradise of 
God — from that garden of the Lord (as even this 
world becomes to those who have embraced the invi- 
tation of His love, and the yoke of his service) where 
they would be privileged, if adopted into His family 
of grace, to eat of the tree of life, and to walk in holy 
and happy fellowship with their reconciled God and 
Father, even as one walketh with a friend! 

Nor should it be overlooked, in estimating the 
happiness which the service of God supplies, that 
this service involves that cheerful obedience to God's 
commandments, springing up from a principle of 
filial love, which must be productive of the purest 
pleasures to the renewed heart of a child of God. If 
all God's commandments are but the gracious ex- 
pressions of His fatherl}^ love, giving us those direc- 
tions for the regulation of our conduct, which, in His 
infinite wisdom, He knows are indispensable for the 
advancement of our true happiness, must not obe- 
dience to them, flowing from the motives He Him- 
self prescribes, be the surest path to that happiness, 
which He wishes His beloved children to enjoy? 
Can we for a moment insult the blessed God by the 
suspicion, that He ever issued a commandment for 
the regulation of his children's conduct, which it 
must not conduce to their happiness cheerfully to 
obey? Must not then the service of God, viewed in 
this light, as a course of cordial and consistent obe- 



44 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

dience to his commandments, animated by a spirit 
of gratitude to Him for His stupendous love in the 
gift of His dear Son, and designed to express a thank- 
ful conviction, that whatever He commands is in- 
tended in love for the promotion of His people's 
happiness, and should therefore be complied with by 
them with cheerful satisfaction— must not, I say, His 
service, animated by such a spirit, and designed for 
such a purpose, be indeed the service of a happy 
heart? Is not, in truth, obedience to God's com- 
mandments, from such motives, and for such ends, 
the very essence of the happiness which our first 
father enjoyed, in the bright morning of his inno- 
cence, when he viewed every intimation of God's 
will as the language of a Father's love, and rendered 
to them all the cheerful homage of a thankful heart? 
Was it not the fearful experiment of seeking for hap- 
piness in the path of disobedience to the command 
of God which "brought sin into the world, and all 
our wo?" And will not man's primeval happiness 
be once more poured into the human heart, when 
love to God is once more enthroned in that heart, 
and renders the service of God as sweet to the re- 
newed spirit as it was to that of Adam before the 
fall? And further, as a talented writer of our day 
has well stated the case, must it not be admitted, that 
God can, if He wishes, make His creatures happy? 
Whom, then, is it most probable He will exercise 
His omnipotence to make happy — those who love, 
or those who despise Him? — those who seek for 
their happiness in His service, or those who seek for 
it in the service of His enemy? for we must serve 
God or Satan. Can we have a moment's doubt on 
the subject? Assuredly not. If, then, God can con- 
fer happiness on his creatures, (and who that believes 
in a God doubts this?) does not reason, as well as 
revelation convince us, that He will confer it on His 
faithful servants who love and honour Him, not on 



OP TRUE HAPPINESS. 45 

rebellious traitors, who despise and insult Him; and 
that his service must, therefore, be the only one in 
which true happiness can be found, even such happi- 
ness as man enjoyed in Paradise, before sin had with- 
ered the fresh bloom of Eden's beauty and bliss by 
its deadly blight? 

Yes, in the service of God his Saviour, the belie- 
ver does indeed find paradise restored ! The sweet 
communion, which sin had interrupted, is again re- 
newed, under circumstances more endearing, and 
with a happiness more exalted, than even Adam en- 
joyed before the fall. For how infinitely does the 
love displayed in our redemption, transcend that 
which creation displays! And, immense as were the 
obligations of Adam to his Almighty Benefactor, for 
the munificent gift of an immortal existence, and the 
paradise of blessings in which He had placed him; 
what, oh! what are even they to the believer's obli- 
gations to his Redeemer's love! 

If, then, the happiness which springs from the de- 
votedness of our time and talents to the service of a 
friend and benefactor, be proportioned to the disin- 
terested generosity of his love, and the extent of our 
obligations to his bounty, what human language could 
convey any adequate conception of the happiness 
which a believer must experience in the grateful con- 
secration of all his talents, affections, and energies to 
the service of Him who has manifested towards him a 
love, in comparison of which the most disinterested 
earthly love is utter selfishness — and has procured 
for him blessings, in comparison of which the most 
precious earthly benefits are nothing worth ! For 
would it not be bordering on blasphemy to compare 
the most generous love which ever glowed in a human 
breast, with that which drew down the Son of God 
from the throne of heaven to a cross on earth? And 
would it not be a very mockery to compare the most 
valuable benefits which an earthly benefactor can be- 
5 



46 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

stow, with those which the Divine Benefactor, who 
died for us on Calvary, has procured for us, at the 
cost of such sufferings as no created intelligence will 
be able fully ever to comprehend? 

I have dwelt more at length on this view of the 
subject, because I am convinced it is only when this 
spirit of grateful love to the God of our salvation is 
the animating motive of our exertions in His cause 
that His service will impart to the soul that abun- 
dant measure of pure and exalted enjoyment, for 
which I contend. To be productive of such enjoy- 
ment, our labours in His service must be labours of 
love. It must be the constraining love of Christ 
which, with its sweet attractions, draws our whole 
hearts and lives to Him, to be offered up as a thank- 
offering at the foot of His cross, if we would experi- 
ence the ineffable delight which the ransomed people 
of the Lord have experienced in His service, in every 
age of the Christian church. As long as he is served 
grudgingly or of necessity, from a principle of slavish 
fear or sordid selfishness, and not of filial love and 
grateful devoted ness, His service must be felt to be a 
state of wearying bondage, not of perfect freedom — 
its ways to be ways of irksomeness, and its paths to 
be paths of perplexity, instead of "ways of pleasant- 
ness, and paths of peace." 

And this is the reason why many of those who 
appear to be enlisted in the ranks of the faithful sol- 
diers and servants of the Lord Jesus Christ feel, and 
by their clouded countenance and melancholy de- 
portment, betray to the sharp-sighted observation of 
the children of the world that they feel His service 
to be a hard and heavy servitude; and thus, as far as 
their experience and testimony is concerned, contra- 
dict His own express declaration, "My yoke is easy, 
and my burden is light." And so they are easy and 
light indeed — but it is love which makes them so. 
When God the Holy Ghost puts them on the shoul- 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



ders of one in whose heart He has shed abroad the 
constraining influence of a Saviour's love, it is only 
such a heart can conceive how cordially, how in- 
tensely the Christian, when this love is enthroned > in 
his supreme affections, delights to bear that burden, 
and to wear that yoke. 

But if Christ be dreaded as a harsh task-master, 
not loved as the best of Masters — the most generous 
of Benefactors, what wonder if those who regard 
Him in such a light should feel no pleasure in His 
service, and should thus bring in a bad report of that 
goodly land, which all who love the Lord have al- 
ways found to be indeed "a land flowing with milk 
and honey" — abounding with the most precious plea- 
sures — the sweetest enjoyments which their souls 
could desire! Yes, let the Master be loved, and His 
service will be loved too — ay, even if it should de- 
mand the most laborious exertions, the most costly 
sacrifices, amounting to the abandonment of home 
and kindred and country, and all that the heart holds 
dearest of the objects of earth. Let but the sacrifice 
be felt, to be for His sake, and that one thought 
will more than reconcile — will even endear it to the 
grateful Christian's heart. Ask the missionary, who 
has parted from the land of his birth, the friends of 
his youth, the beloved members of the dear domestic 
circle, round which his heart's fondest affections have 
been twined from life's earliest years — ask him, does 
he repent of having made such a sacrifice for his Sa- 
viour's sake; and will not the tear of gratitude and 
holy joy, glistening in his eye, tell you more elo- 
quently than any words could do, that he has felt 
abundantly recompensed for the sacrifice, whatever 
the anguish it may have cost his heart! Yes, he will 
tell you, that amidst all the loneliness of his lot — 
amidst all the anguish of separation from country, 
friends, and home — amidst all the horrors of sur- 
rounding heathenism, in all its fearful shapes of idola- 



48 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

try, impurity, and blood, the hope of being honoured 
as the instrument of bringing even one perishing fel- 
low-sinner out of the dreary darkness of heathen su- 
perstition into the gladdening light of Gospel truth, 
and thus at once promoting a fellow-immortal's ever- 
lasting welfare, and his beloved Redeemer's glory, 
lias filled his spirit with such heart-cheering comfort, 
as he would not have exchanged for all the enjoy- 
ments this world could supply. He will tell you, 
that his Saviour's smile has so brightened the solitude 
of his lonely dwelling, amidst the waste of heathen- 
ism as to make the wilderness around him "to rejoice, 
and blossom as the rose!" 

Look at the history of the greatest of merely hu- 
man missionaries, the Apostle of the Gentiles — for 
the greatest of all missionaries was a Divine One, 
even the Lord Jesus Christ. In S.t. Paul we see the 
example of one in whose heart the love of the Sa- 
viour was indeed enthroned in its rightful supremacy, 
and whose life was one uninterrupted sacrifice of 
thanksgiving to the God of his salvation. Now, 
what was his experience as to the influence on his 
happiness, of this entire dedication of the life to the 
Saviour's service? Is it possible, I would ask any 
unprejudiced mind, to read the record of his inward 
feelings, which he has left to us in those epistles, 
where he has unveiled to our view the most secret 
recesses of his heart, without having the conviction 
irresistibly impressed upon us, that St. Paul, by the 
unreserved surrender of his whole heart and life to 
the love and service of God his Saviour, had attained, 
and was conscious that he had attained, to the very 
highest summit of human happiness which can be 
reached on this side heaven? That, amidst ail the 
persecution, reproach, and "suffering above measure," 
with which he was incessantly assailed, his heart was 
the constant abode of a peace which indeed "passeth 
all understanding," and of a joy which is altogether 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 49 

"unspeakable and full of glory?" Was it not this 
consciousness which prompted that sublime reply lo 
King Agrippa, which breathes the noblest spirit that 
ever emanated from Christian love — "I would, to 
God that not only thou, but also all that hear me this 
day, were both almost and altogether such as I am, 
except these bonds?" 

Were any one, then, to ask me, What path shall 
I pursue, in order to arrive at that happiness which 
is the object of universal solicitude and search? I 
would answer, without one moment's hesitation — 
follow the example of St. Paul. At the foot of the 
cross surrender up yourself, soul and body, as a thank- 
offering to Him, who on that cross surrendered up 
himself as an expiatory sacrifice for your salvation. 
Let the love of Christ be henceforward the master- 
passion of your soul — the ruling principle of your 
life. Consecrate, as a missionary at home, if not 
abroad, your every talent to the advancement of His 
cause. Resolve, in humble reliance on divine grace, 
that for the future His glory shall be the object to 
which every other shall be subordinate in your esti- 
mation, and which, by every means within your reach, 
you will labour to promote. Act honestly, consist- 
ently, perseveringly on this plan; and if you are not 
successful in your search after happiness, why I can 
only say, you will be the first who has ever met with 
disappointment in pursuing such a course. Yes, the 
very first who could ever say with truth, "With me 
to live is Christ," and yet be obliged to add, "Not- 
withstanding, the secret of true happiness is still to 
me unknown. I have made the experiment of cor- 
dial, grateful devotedness to His service, and must 
with bitter disappointment confess, that true felicity 
is not to be found there." And why should you 
suppose that such a disastrous result of this experi- 
ment should be reserved for you alone, of all that 
have ever tried it, since Christ came upon earth? 
5* 



50 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

Oh ! that I could persuade you, whoever you are 
that are now reading these lines, if you have never 
yet made this experiment for yourselves, this day, 
this hour, this moment to commence it. In very 
truth, dear fellow-traveller to eternity, I have no 
misgivings as to the result: no darkening doubt flings 
even a passing shadow over my assurance, (which 
rests on the firm basis of the word of that God who 
is truth,) that if, relying on the renewing influences 
of the Holy Spirit, you will seek henceforth for hap- 
piness in the service of God's well-beloved Son, while 
resting exclusively your hopes of salvation on His 
infinitely and alone meritorious sufferings and right- 
eousness, you shall not be disappointed in your 
search, but shall be enabled to add your testimony 
on behalf of the blessedness of His service — yes, to 
add it, with a joyous and a thankful heart, to that of 
all His glorified saints now in heaven, and all His 
faithful servants now on earth, who will all with one 
heart and voice declare, that to those who, being pri- 
vileged to regard the triune God under the endear- 
ing character of their Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier, 
and Comforter, confidingly trust, devoutly adore, and 
supremely love Him, His service is the source of the 
purest, the sweetest, the most satisfying happiness 
which the heart of man can desire, or the loving- 
kindness of God can bestow! 



CHAPTER III. 

THE SERVICE OF GOD* 



II. There is another point of view, in which the 
service of God can be shown to be conducive to the 
highest happiness which can be enjoyed on earth ? 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS, 51 

and that is, by imparting the elevating and delightful 
consciousness, that in this service the faculties and 
energies of the soul are employed in the noblest oc- 
cupation, and directed to the most exalted end, which 
the spirit of man, in the loftiest aspirations of a lau- 
dable ambition, can desire. As the heart can only 
feel fully satisfied when it is supremely fixed on God, 
inasmuch as He is the only object who can fill all 
the capacities for enjoyment of its boundless affec- 
tions, so, in like maner, the soul can only feel fully 
satisfied when it is entirely devoted to God, inasmuch 
as His service is the only sphere of exertion which 
can altogether suit and satisfy the comprehensive 
grasp and aspiring ambition of its immortal energies. 
Let not the shadow of a sound, the bugbear of a name, 
terrify us! Let not the word "ambition" aiarm us, 
as if it were necessarily identified with arrogance, 
vain-gloriousness, and pride! There is a happier 
sense of the word — a holy application of its meaning 
— in which, so far from shrinking from it with aver- 
sion and alarm, we ought to contemplate and cherish 
it with affection and delight. Yes, there is a praise- 
worthy ambition, a legitimate aspiration after great- 
ness, a laudable desire for glory, honour, and immor- 
tality. The soul, originally created in the likeness 
of God, and destined for the high and holy employ- 
ment and happiness of holding communion with God, 
and consecrating its heaven-born faculties to His ser- 
vice, has implanted in it, by His own hand, a desire 
for true greatness, which can only find its satisfying 
fulfilment in that communion and that service. And 
so far is this desire from being in itself sinful, that 
(we doubt not,) it was implanted in our nature by 
God, for the very purpose of thus drawing the spirit, 
in its aspirations after glory, to Himself! 

It is not, then, the existence, but the misdirection 
of this desire, which constitutes its sinfulness. It is 
the seeking to quench its burning thirst in the pol- 



52 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

luted streams of earthly ambition and applause, in- 
stead of the pure fountain of God's favour and service. 
It is the degrading to the worthless objects of this 
world's idolatry, those faculties and energies which 
were designed to soar up to heavenly things, and 
grasp (for this is more than permitted, is even com- 
manded,) the glory of God. Nor is this degradation 
more sinful in the sight of God, than destructive of 
the happiness of man. For, as the heart must ever 
feel a restless craving, an aching void, till its supreme 
affections are fixed on God, so must the soul feel and 
mourn over a conscious degradation and dissatisfaction 
so long as its energies are devoted to any service ex- 
cept the service of God. It is only when they are 
consecrated to this, their proper sphere and end, that 
they feel that they can expatiate in their full freedom 
— that they can expand their full capacities — that 
they are invested with their full dignity — and attain 
to their full enjoyment. There is a feeling of un- 
mingled satisfaction in the conviction that they are 
linked with whatever there is of essential greatness 
and glory in the universe. Yes, by seeking his hap- 
piness in the service of God, and making the glory 
of God his supreme aim and object, the Christian 
feels that he is identified, by congeniality of senti- 
ment and similarity of pursuit, with all the glorified 
inhabitants of heaven. He feels that he can claim 
brotherhood with cherubim and seraphim, and is 
allied, by the closest ties of family affection, with all 
those celestial intelligences which delight to do the 
will of God. Yea, he feels that he has the same mind 
that was in Christ Jesus, — that he is, indeed, one in 
spirit with Christ, and Christ with him,— when he is 
enabled by divine grace to say, as his divine Master 
said in the days of His flesh, "My meat and drink is 
to do the will of the Father who hath sent me, and 
to finish His work ;" and to make it the object of his 
supreme solicitude, so as to consecrate all his time 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 53 

and talents to the advancement of the glory of God 
during the period of his earthly pilgrimage, that he 
may be able at its close, with humble gratitude, to 
adopt the language of Him who, as His earthly 
career was just drawing to its close, addressed His 
Father in those memorable words, "I have glorified 
thee on the earth; I have finished the work which 
thou gavest me to do; and now, Father, I come to 
thee." 

Oh! must not he who is thus identified in the ob- 
ject of his devotedness, and the source of his happi- 
ness, with angels and archangels, and even with the 
Lord of angels, be acknowledged to have discovered 
the secret of true happiness? Can it require laboured 
demonstration to prove that true substantial satisfying 
happiness must be the portion of that man, and of that 
man alone, who is seeking for it where the host of 
heaven find it, and where the Son of God, in His 
human nature, found it — even in doing the will and 
promoting the glory of the blessed God? Nor let 
it be objected, that the happiness flowing from this 
source, even that gratification of the inherent desire 
for true greatness, which results from the elevating 
consciousness of being thus linked with every glo- 
rious being in the universe, and participating in all 
their glory, is either the offspring of arrogant self- 
complacency, or the parent of presumptuous pride. 
No, no; for still the love of God is the pure passion 
which prompts, and the glory of God the disinterested 
object which consecrates every exertion that the grate- 
ful Christian makes, while devoting all his talents to 
the advancement of his Saviour's cause. Nor does 
he desire for one moment to forget (and the reflection 
must ever cherish the deepest humility as well as 
gratitude in his soul,) that he is altogether indebted 
to the divine influences of the sanctifying Spirit, both 
for the holy desire which first prompted him to seek 
for true happiness and glory in this consecration of 



54 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

himself to the service of his God, and for the sustain- 
ing strength which has since enabled* him, with un- 
quenched ardour and persevering patience, to hold 
on his heavenly course. He knows, that if left to 
himself his ambition would never have soared hea- 
venwards; would never have mounted higher than 
the poor pretensions of earthly rank — the passing 
breath of applause from a few fellow-worms — the 
perishable pageantry of earthly glory. How, then, 
can he feel proud, however justly he may rejoice in 
the consciousness of having been the recipient of the 
influences of divine grace, attracting him to the source 
of all true greatness and happiness, and impelling him 
by a secretly and sweetly irresistible impulse, to seek 
for both, successfully, in the love and service of a 
Saviour-God? No! he may, he must exult in the 
glorious liberty with which Christ has made him free, 
the more than earthly dignity by which Christ has 
made him great. But in his exultation there is no 
presumption — in his rejoicing no pride. If he, a vile, 
miserable worm of the dust has been taken from the 
dunghill of corruption, where he lay festering in his 
sins, to be set among the principalities and powers of 
heaven, and, in right of his Redeemer's merits, made 
to inherit the throne of glory, however he must re- 
joice, with wondering gratitude, at the miracle of 
condescending grace which the God of glory has 
wrought on his behalf, and feel a joy which in one 
sense must surpass the bliss of angels — oh, surely no 
proud self-sufficient boastings can for one moment 
mingle with his joy! 

In thus maintaining the superiority of the happi- 
ness flowing from that divinely-implanted aspiration 
after greatness, which prompts its possessor to seek 
for the honour which cometh from Godj and the feli- 
city which is to be found in His service, and which 
we have proved to be compatible with the profound- 
est humility of soul, I am not forgetful that there are 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 55 

many objects in themselves allowable, (or even com- 
mendable, when subordinated to the service of God 
and sanctified by the influences of His Spirit.) to 
which men ma}' devote their energies and affections, 
and which will supply a measure of satisfaction pro- 
portioned to the excellence of the object which thus 
engages their talents and their time. But 1 still con- 
tend that the happiness derivable from the service of 
God, immeasurably transcends that which the noblest 
earthly object that ever engaged the faculties of the 
human soul can supply. 

For instance, a monarch may devote himself to the 
advancement of the national prosperity and glory of 
the people over whom he reigns, according to his 
standard of what constitutes a nation's welfare and 
greatness, and yet be altogether uninfluenced by a 
desire to promote the glory of God. A statesman 
may, in like manner, labour honestly and zealously 
to advance his beloved country's interests, and thus 
earn the reputation of a disinterested patriot, while 
his heart is altogether a stranger to the influences of 
a Saviour's love. The soldier may fight his country's 
battles with undaunted courage and patriotic ardour, 
and yet have never enlisted under the banners of the 
Captain of salvation as a soldier of the cross. A be- 
nevolent man, whose desire to alleviate the sufferings 
and augment the happiness of his brethren of man- 
kind, may be utterly unscriptural in its origin and 
aims, and exclusively regard their temporal weal or 
wo, may deserve, in one sense, the exalted name of a 
philanthropist, and win for himself the esteem and 
gratitude of his fellow-men. 

Another man may devote his energies to intellec- 
tual pursuits, — may seek to extend the researches of 
science or the resources of literature, — he may strike 
out some valuable discovery connected with those 
arts which increase our comforts, — or add some pre- 
cious acquisition to the treasures of knowledge,— and 



56 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

thus become, in an important sense, a benefactor to 
mankind; while all the time the God of intellect is 
not even acknowledged, much less adored, and re- 
ceives from him neither the homage of his under- 
standing nor the thank-offering of his heart. And in 
the various departments of professional pursuit, men 
may seek, by the path of diligent exertion and honour- 
able competition, to rise to eminence, and thus at 
once advance the interests of their respective profes- 
sions, and secure a competent provision for themselves 
or for their families; and, at the same time, be utterly 
devoid of one spark of genuine love to God, or of 
grateful solicitude to promote His glory. 

Now, nothing can be farther from my intention, 
than to insinuate a censure on these or similar objects 
of human devotedness and exertion, as if in themselves 
they were to be regarded as deserving only of con- 
demnation or contempt. Nor have I the smallest 
desire to deny, that there is a high degree of satis- 
faction linked with the spirit of sincere, even though 
not Christian, patriotism and philanthropy — with 
scientific and intellectual pursuits, even though un- 
hallowed by their consecration to the service of God 
— and with the honourable and successful struggle 
for professional eminence, even though it be not 
sought and valued (as it unquestionably ought to be,) 
only as a means of more abundantly glorifying the 
Giver of all good. I am well aware, that in what- 
ever proportion a man rises above sensual and selfish 
pursuits and pleasures,and devotes his time and talents 
to objects more worthy in themselves of his esteem, 
and more calculated to advance the welfare (even 
though not the eternal welfare,) of his fellow-creatures, 
in that very proportion will he enjoy a degree of satis- 
faction, raised above the low and debasing gratifica- 
tions of the votaries of a grovelling selfishness, and 
the slaves of sensual lusts. The breast of the genuine 
patriot and philanthropist must glow with many a 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 57 

gladdening emotion while planning and executing 
their generous and exalted schemes for the welfare 
of their country or the happiness of mankind, or con- 
templating the delightful results of their successful 
exertions. The votary of science cannot but expe- 
rience a sensation of elevating joy, when some sub- 
lime discovery in the fields of Nature bursts upon 
his view; or the marvellous mechanism of the mate- 
rial world is more fully developed, in its wondrous 
displays of wisdom and of power, to his mind. The 
man of intellect must taste some of the most pleasura- 
ble emotions, of which mere earthly sources are the 
spring, when he feels the powers of his mind enlarged 
and elevated by fresh acquisitions of knowledge; or 
his soul enraptured by the fascinating visions, which 
the imagination, by its magic wand, can conjure up 
before its votary's dazzled and delighted gaze. 

The hero may triumph, with legitimate rejoicing, 
when he sees his efforts for his country's freedom or 
glory crowned with success; and the professional 
man feels a warm glow of allowable satisfaction, when 
the character of his profession is exalted, or a pro- 
vision for his family secured, by his arduous exer- 
tions in that sphere of labour to which he has devoted 
his energies and his time. 

All this I most willingly admit; but still contend 
that the happiness which any of these services can 
supply, is, in every point of view, altogether inferior 
to that which the service of God supplies; and that 
in them all there would be an immense increase of 
happiness, the purest and the most exalted, in its 
nature and influences, by the infusion of a spirit of 
piet} 7 into the hearts of their several votaries, shed- 
ding round all their pursuits, and all their accompa- 
nying enjoyments, a celestial halo, beaming with the 
brightness of the glory of God. We feel this dis- 
tinction to be one of the very first importance. We 
are willing, indeed, to concede all that can be reason- 
6 



58 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

ably required as to the claims on our esteem, or the 
capability of imparting enjoyment, possessed by the 
various objects of earthly admiration and pursuit to 
which we have adverted. But still we are most de- 
sirous to maintain, in connexion with our subject, 
the immeasurable superiority which the service of 
God possesses, both as an object of supreme excel- 
lence, deserving of our highest esteem and regard, 
and as a source of supreme felicity, capable of im- 
parting to the soul the only really satisfying happi- 
ness which can be enjoyed on earth. It is this, for 
example, which stamps on the office of the Christian 
minister such a surpassing dignity, when he is viewed 
as an ambassador of Christ, whose exclusive object is 
the advancement of his divine Master's glory — a 
dignity so essentially divine, that we do not hesitate 
to pronounce the humblest pastor, in the most obscure 
parish of Christendom, who is faithful to his ordina- 
tion vows, a more exalted personage in the estimation 
of Jehovah, and a happier being in himself, than the 
mightiest monarch in the universe, whose aim, how- 
ever otherwise elevated, does not seek to promote 
the glory of God. What office, indeed, can be ima- 
gined more glorious, or more delightful, than that of 
the faithful minister who supremely loves his divine 
Master, and sincerely seeks, by every exercise of his 
ministerial influence, to promote a beloved Saviour's 
glory ! Oh ! what a grandeur does this consideration 
fling around his every address from the pulpit — every 
prayer or pastoral visit — every word of affectionate 
admonition to the lambs of his flock — ^every attend- 
ance on a sick or dying bed! When he feels that 
he is, in the humble sphere of instrumentality as- 
signed to him, a fellow-labourer with the blessed 
God, in that glorious work which engaged the divine 
mind from the ages of eternity, and drew down the 
everlasting Father's well-beloved Son from the glories 
of His celestial throne to a manger and a cross on 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 59 

earth — what unutterable happiness must flow from 
such a thought as this, into the faithful pastor's heart! 
Who of the children of men is privileged to expe- 
rience a purer or more exalted felicity than such a 
pastor is entitled to enjoy, especially when he sees 
his labours of love in some measure crowned by the 
divine blessing with success? Would it not be ut- 
terly superfluous to compare his happiness with that 
of the man who profanes the sacred office intrusted 
to him, by prostituting it to the degrading purposes 
of professional advancement, or personal applause; or 
wastes the life which he has so solemnly dedicated 
to God, in the frivolities of worldly society, the fas- 
cinations of literature, or the indulgence of inglorious 
ease? Is it necessary to weigh in the balance of the 
sanctuary, the happiness of the faithful apostle, com- 
pared with that of the perfidious traitor, and such is 
every ordained minister who does not live devotedly 
to the glory of God ? Need we advance arguments 
to prove that a John, a Peter, or a Paul, was happier 
than a Judas? And, I repeat it, is not every unfaith- 
ful minister a Judas? Does not every minister who 
solemnly promises, at his ordination, to devote him- 
self exclusively to the advancement of God's glory, 
and yet afterwards seeks his own, and makes the 
holy office an instrument for accumulating worldly 
wealth, or aggrandizing himself with worldly honour, 
or indulging in intellectual pursuits, while neglecting 
the duties of his sacred office — does not every such 
minister virtually betray the Son of man? And need 
I endeavour to prove that such traitors to a Saviour's 
cause cannot be as happy as those faithful stewards 
who honestly and gratefully consecrate themselves 
and all their talents to the advancement of their Mas- 
ter's glory? 

Nor should it be overlooked, in estimating the 
happiness that flows from this grateful consecration 
of all his talents to his beloved Master's glory, that 



60 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

the faithful pastor derives the most exalted enjoyment 
from the reflection, that he is advancing, in the very- 
same proportion in which he advances his Master's 
glory, the everlasting happiness of his brethren of 
mankind. He knows that if he succeed in drawing 
those with whom he pleads to the Lord Jesus Christ, 
their happiness for time and for eternity is secured; 
for that in this infinitely precious Saviour they will 
possess all that can confer satisfying and everlasting 
enjoyment. What unspeakable joy, then, must a 
faithful minister feel, when he thinks that every sinner 
whom he is instrumental in winning over to Christ, 
is another gem added to his beloved Saviour's crown 
—another voice added to the choir of heaven ! With 
what unutterable delight must he look forward to the 
day of Christ's glorious appearing, when all to whom 
his ministry has been blest, shall.be his glory and 
crown of rejoicing in that day! How will his own 
fulness of joy, in the presence of "God his Saviour," 
be increased to overflowing by witnessing and sharing 
the infinite and everlasting happiness of every fellow- 
heir of glory, who was led by the divine blessing of 
the Holy Spirit, on his labours of love, to the foot of 
the Saviour's cross! When he hears their voices 
blending with his own in the song of praise "to Him 
that sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb/' and 
feels his own bliss deepened by the participation of 
theirs, will he not then feel abundantly recompensed 
for all the watchings and anxieties, the tears and trials 
of his ministerial life? Will it not then appear indeed 
incontestable, that by devoting himself unreservedly 
to the service of the God of his salvation, he was se- 
curing the highest amount of happiness, both for time 
and for eternity, which his heart could desire, or God, 
in the infinitude of His love, bestow? 

But we would not confine our observations to the 
sacred office of the ministry, where seeking any other 
aim than God's glory involves the guilt of the basest 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 61 

and most daring perfidy and perjury, as being a per- 
fidious and perjured violation of the minister's so- 
lemnly-pledged ordination vows. We would contend 
for the truth of our position, in connexion with every 
other profession and pursuit that can engage the mind 
of man. 

And, to commence with the most exalted station 
which can be occupied by man during his abode on 
earth, what source of enjoyment, which the posses- 
sion of kingly power is supposed to be capable of 
supplying, was not accessible to that truly Christian 
monarch who swayed, for more than half a century, 
the sceptre of these realms, and who was deservedly 
venerated and loved as the friend and father of his 
people — whose memory will ever be embalmed in 
their grateful affection and esteem? Need I say that 
I speak of George the Third? Now, what I would 
suggest, in connexion witb our subject, is, — was not 
the happiness enjoyed by this monarch, as the sove- 
reign of a mighty empire and an attached people, 
unspeakably heightened and sweetened to him, by 
his deep and fervent piety, which led him to lay 
down, as it were, his crown at his beloved Saviour's 
feet — to feel and to avow his fealty to the King of 
kings — and to prove, by every action of his life, that 
he ever remembered that he held his sceptre but as a 
solemn trust, reposed in him by the Sovereign of the 
universe, and to be exercised entirely for the advance- 
ment of His glory. 

Can we for one moment imagine, that (here was 
not a joy flowing into his soul, from this sublime and 
elevating consciousness, that imparted something of 
a heavenly, yea, of a godlike character to the happi- 
ness which he derived from his every effort to pro- 
mote the welfare of the people that he loved? Was 
not his devotion to the service of his salvation a source 
of enjoyment to that Christian monarch's heart, im- 
measurably superior to what the pageantry of royal 
6* 



62 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

pomp, or the pride of royal power, can afford? Did 
not the ennobling reflection, that in the whole course 
of his administration of his royal prerogative, his 
honest aim and object was to promote at once his 
people's welfare, temporal and eternal, and the glory 
of his God, fill his heart with a peace and joy that 
neither domestic afflictions nor public calamities could 
disturb — that opened within his own bosom a sanc- 
tuary into which he could at all times retreat for rest 
and consolation, amidst the din of politics and the 
cares of empire, and there enjoy peaceful and glad- 
dening communion with his Father and his God — 
and that impressed even on the wanderings of his 
mind a celestial stamp, summoning before his hal- 
lowed imagination the visions of heaven, breathing 
into his enraptured ear the music of the skies, and 
giving him the anticipated society of angels, even 
while yet a dweller upon earth? 

Oh ! who that feels in his bosom the generous throb- 
bingsof loyalty and love to the youthful and inexpe- 
rienced sovereign that now sways the sceptre of these 
realms, can forbear to pour out, on her behalf, the 
fervent prayer, that He, in whose hands are the hearts 
of kings, would by His grace dispose and enable her to 
walk in her sainted grandfather's footsteps, following 
him even as he followed Christ— making in all things, 
as he did, the word of her God the guide, and the 
glory of her God the object, of all her actions, whether 
in domestic or in public life? — that so her happiness 
may be hallowed, and her sorrows (for sovereigns can 
claim no exemption from these,) may be soothed by 
His Spirit and His smile — and that having, through 
a long and glorious reign, swayed a sceptre of right- 
eousness over a loyal and loving people, enthroned 
in their affections and esteem, as the example of all 
that is most estimable and amiable in a Christian wife 
and mother, as well as all that can dignify and endear 
the character of a Christian sovereign, and the patro- 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 63 

ness of all that can promote the highest interests of 
the vast empire committed to her charge, she may, 
at a distant period, in a good old age, exchange an 
earthly crown for a heavenly — even for that crown 
of unfading glory which a Redeemer has purchased 
with his own blood for all, whatever be their earthly 
rank, who have loved, confided in, and glorified Him 
here below! 

What we have thus shown, as exemplified on the 
throne, may be equally illustrated by the example of 
the most exalted and influential stations, next to the 
throne, which can engage the energies of the mind 
of man. Look, for example, to a class of character 
which commands so large a measure of our admiration, 
esteem, and love — a Christian British senator! See 
this exalted character embodied in one of the bright- 
est ornaments of Christianity — one of the noblest be- 
nefactors of mankind — that truly Christian patriot and 
philanthropist, the late William Wilberforce. Who 
that has read with an impartial spirit the history of 
his life, and has observed, from the period he entered 
on his Christian career, with what unbroken perse- 
verance and consistency he consecrated his splendid 
talents to the noblest of all objects, the happiness of 
man, as combined with the glory of God— who, I say, 
that has observed this, and traced its results in the 
experience of his heart, as developed in the record of 
his life, can refrain from acknowledging that the grate- 
ful consecration of influence, talents, heart, and life, 
to a Saviour's service, is the direct path to the high- 
est happiness attainable on earth! Study the cha- 
racter of this distinguished servant of the Lord. See 
every noble principle, every generous affection, whieh 
the Gospel implants and cherishes, there displayed ! 
Behold him, in the midst of political strife, enjoying 
a calm within, even the peace of God, which, like the 
halcyon's wing, spreads its tranquillizing influence 
over the stormy agitations of his breast, when ruffled 



64 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

by the conflicts of his public life! Mark, how eveiy 
Sabbath (and oh! that all our statesmen and senators 
would reverence the Sabbath as he did!) brought to 
his spirit a blessed release from earthly cares and 
earthly sorrows, and breathed over his soul a sweet 
foretaste of the blessedness of the celestial Sabbath — 
the rest that remaineth for the children of God ! Read 
his letters, which so felicitously express the outpour- 
ings of a heart overflowing with gratitude to the God 
of all his mercies, and enjoying every blessing which 
that God had lavished on him with an intensity of 
delight, a peculiar relish, which only the children of 
God can ever taste — and then say, is not true religion 
promotive of true happiness? Does not Christianity 
invest exalted rank, commanding talents, extensive 
influence, with peculiar capacities for enjoyment, and 
render them channels for conveying the purest plea- 
sure into the human heart, by leading her faithful vo- 
taries to employ them all as instruments for advancing 
the glory of their God? 

Compare Wilberforce, (and how fervently should 
we pray that his mantle may fall on those who now 
are intrusted with the reins of government! — that, 
like him, they may seek in all their measures the 
guidance of God's glory,) I will not say with profli- 
gate or unprincipled statesmen, who have sought place 
and power only as the means of gratifying their own 
ambition or more grovelling lusts, but compare him 
even with his own illustrious friend— one of the purest 
patriots that ever England could boast of — one who 
loved his country with the most ardent affection, and 
laboured to promote her welfare with the most disin- 
terested zeal — compare, I say, Wilberforce with even 
Pitt, and must we not feel, that by the consecration 
of all his talents to the service of his God, there was 
a brighter halo of glory shed round the character of 
Wilberforce than encircles even that of his highly- 
gifted and lofty-minded friend! Must we not also 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 65 

feel that in the heart of the faithful servant of God 
there was a depth of happiness, secure from the storms 
of earth, and sweetened by the smile of Heaven, which 
neither the generous ardour of a patriot's zeal, nor the 
grateful homage of an admiring country, could impart 
to the bosom of the illustrious Pitt! 

One other example, in illustration of our subject, 
will suffice — the example of one who filled an exalted 
station on the English judicial bench, with such 
honour to himself, and such benefit to his country, 
Sir Matthew Hale. When we observe his distin- 
guished talents consecrated to his divine Master's 
service, and all that claims our respect and admira- 
tion for high intellectual powers and extensive legal 
knowledge, combined with all that can command our 
esteem and love for whatever is most venerable and 
attractive in the Christian character, surely we must 
confess that the high and holy object to which he de- 
voted all the influence that his talents and station 
afforded him, at once invested his character with a 
dignity,and imparted to his soul a happiness, immea- 
surably superior to what those talents and that station, 
if not thus consecrated to a Saviour's service, could 
have supplied! And cheering it is to contemplate 
such incontestable evidence, (confirmed, we rejoice 
to think, by the testimony of many living witnesses,) 
that the highest attainments and professional elevation 
at the bar and on the bench, are compatible with the 
most attractive exhibition of the Christian character 
and the most entire devotedness to the cause of Christ. 

We would^ also observe, that in thus seeking to 
make the' talents intrusted to his care instrumental 
in promoting the glory of God, the believer, whatever 
be his professional pursuits, (for our observations will 
equally apply to every lawful pursuit, the humblest 
as well as the most exalted — to every servant of God, 
the peasant as fully as the prince,) enjoys a pleasure 
peculiarly gratifying to his benevolent heart, in the 



66 [ THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

reflection that he is promoting, along with the glory 
of God, the everlasting happiness of his brethren of 
mankind. This opens a noble view of the result and 
reward of his labours, which pours the purest enjoy- 
ment into his breast. Yes, it is unspeakable joy to a 
child of God, who has imbibed the spirit of Him that 
was divine love incarnate, to look forward to the 
eternal felicity of the objects of his benevolent soli- 
citude, as the rich recompense of all his labours of 
love on their behalf! It is that which raises his ex- 
ertions for the good of his fellow-men so immeasu- 
rably above those of the most disinterested and de- 
voted patriot or philanthropist, who aim no higher 
than to advance the temporal welfare of their fellow- 
creatures, and imparts to those exertions so much a 
more enlarged and exalted enjoyment! To be in- 
strumental in rescuing fellow-travellers to eternity 
from everlasting misery and leading them to the 
attainment of everlasting happiness, who can de- 
scribe the god-like pleasure which this must commu- 
nicate to a Christian's heart! And how must the joy 
he feels in the contemplation of such a recompense 
of his labours of love on behalf of his brethren of 
mankind, as much surpass that of the purest philan- 
thropist who labours only for the promotion of their 
temporal good, as the interests of eternity surpass 
those of a few fleeting hours! 

Whether, then, we look to the throne, the senate, 
or to any of those professional pursuits which engage 
the energies of the human mind, we cannot but feel 
convinced that Christianity provides, not merely for 
the most faithful discharge of the duties devolving 
on those who are intrusted with the awful responsi- 
bility attached to exalted station, superior talents, and 
extensive influence, but also supplies them with ma- 
terials for the most abundant enjoyment, by render- 
ing the talents committed to their charge the means 
of gratifying, to the utmost extent, the enlarged de- 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 67 

sires of a benevolent heart, in the promotion of the 
interests and the happiness of their brethren of the 
family of man, not merely for the few passing years 
of this fleeting span of time, but for the endless ages 
of eternity. 

When, therefore, we calmly consider even the few 
examples which have been adduced, (and it would 
be easy to add to the list illustrious names in every 
department of intellectual or professional pursuit,) or 
view the subject in connexion with the various rela- 
tionships of life, must we not be constrained to adopt 
the conclusion, that true religion is promotive of true 
happiness, by supplying the energies of the human 
mind with a sphere of exertion, and directing them 
to the attainment of an object, which are, and which 
alone are commensurate to their vast capacities, and 
impart a feeling of solid and substantial satisfaction, 
from the conviction that they are suitably and wor- 
thily employed — that the service in which they are 
engaged is the noblest, and the end they have in view 
the most glorious, which the mind can grasp or the 
heart can desire, even the eternal glory of God, and 
the eternal happiness of man — and that in this con- 
sciousness there is a source of pure and sublime en- 
joyment which approximates, by the closest and most 
identifying resemblance, the character of man to the 
character of the blessed God, and the pursuits and 
pleasures of the servants of God in this world to 
those of the seraphim before the throne — and thus 
makes the happiness of earth the very antepast of the 
bliss of heaven? 



CHAPTER IV. 



THE CHRISTIAN S HOPE. 



There is another consideration connected with 
this view of our subject, that strikingly shows the 



68 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

superiority of the happiness which flows from the 
consecration of all our faculties and talents to the 
service of God, over that which flows from their de- 
votedness to any other service in wmich they can be 
engaged. The consideration to which I allude is 
briefly this. The happiness which flows from the 
latter is liable to interruption or total destruction, 
from some of those numerous (casualties, as they are 
improperly called, but really) providential visita- 
tions, to which all the children of men, no matter 
what may be their rank, or influence, or prosperity, 
are alike and inevitably exposed. The most ardent, 
and for a time successful, votary of this world may 
be suddenly stopped in his brilliant career, by the 
stroke of sickness, or the pressure of some of those 
overwhelming calamities which altogether blight 
the prospects of earthly enjoyment, and paralyze 
the energies of the human mind. A storm at sea, 
or a failure of some hazardous speculation, may in 
a moment wreck the hopes and happiness of the 
hitherto highly favoured worshipper of this world's 
wealth. A more successful competitor may sud- 
denly wrest from a defeated rival the wreath of 
glory which seemed to be almost within his eager 
grasp, and leave him a prey to the corroding anguish 
of disappointed hopes. The scientific or profes- 
sional man may be arrested by the hand of disease 
in the full glow and vigour of ardent enterprise and 
arduous exertion, at the very moment when some 
important discovery, or the object of some profes- 
sional ambition, for which he had long sighed and 
struggled, seemed just about to reward him for years 
of patient research and persevering toil. The vo- 
luptuary may in a moment have the draught of in- 
toxicating sensuality dashed from his lips; and must, 
sooner or later, be taught the bitter truth, that the 
dregs of the cup of poisoned pleasure are wormwood 
and gall. And even the most estimable and amia- 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 69 

ble of the children of the world, whose compara- 
tively purified heart is capable of relishing, and 
most intensely enjoys, that "only bliss of paradise 
which has survived the fall," domestic happiness — 
even he knows not the moment when ali his domes- 
tic enjoyments may, by the ruthless hand of death, 
be cut down and swept away — for ever! .But oh! 
the security, the triumph of the Christian's happi- 
ness ! Oh! the indestructible perpetuity of the 
pleasures which flow from a Saviour's service and 
a Saviour's smile! No casualties can interrupt the 
believer's blessedness, safe in the hands, and de- 
rived from the favour, of his covenant God. No 
storm can wreck his hopes — no rival wrest from 
him the crown of rejoicing, which a Redeemer's 
hand has wreathed around his brow! He cannot be 
arrested in his career of hallowed enjoyment by any 
providential appointment of the God at whose dis- 
posal are all the events of his life, and who has pro- 
mised to make them all work together for his pre- 
sent and eternal good! Sickness cannot suspend 
his intercourse with his heavenly Friend, and there- 
fore cannot dry up the source of his highest happi- 
ness. Yea, so far from this, that often he will re- 
ceive the tenderest visits from that Friend, " who 
sticketh closer than a brother," and will enjoy the 
sweetest communion of heart with him, when 
stretched upon the bed of languishing and pain. 
Sorrow cannot cloud the sunshine of his joy, for 
through its darkest gloom his beloved Saviour's 
smile will still be seen, brightening even sorrow it- 
self into but a soberer tint of sanctified enjoyment, 
and revealing that Saviour to his soul under the 
most endearing character, the sympathizing Com- 
forter of his afflicted people. Yes, 1 repeat it, this 
is emphatically the triumph of the Christian's hap- 
piness. It is safe in God's own hands — perfectly 
safe, beyond the reach of all the changes and cala- 



70 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

mities of this mortal miserable world. For, as one 
of the chief sources of the believer's blessedness 
consists in the grateful joy which he derives from 
glorifying the God of his salvation, no possible cir- 
cumstances in which he can ever be placed can pre- 
vent this source of heaven-derived felicity from 
pouring abroad its pure and gladdening tide of holy 
happiness into his heart, as he can never be placed 
in circumstances in which he will not be able to 
glorify his God. Yea, there is one peculiar feature 
of the case which, though already glanced at, must 
not be left without more distinct observation, so 
triumphantly does it establish the superiority of the 
Christian's happiness. It is, that even the very cir- 
cumstances which entirely blight the worldling's 
enjoyments, only serve to deepen and endear the 
Christian's; for it is on the bed of sickness, in the 
season of affliction, and in the prospect of death, 
that he has the most precious opportunities of glo- 
rifying the Saviour, who has bought him with his 
own blood, and therefore enjoys the largest measure 
of that exalted happiness which flows into his heart 
from this, the purest source of felicity that even a 
believer can enjoy. 

What a dignity also does this devotedness to 
God's service throw around every member of the 
body, and every faculty of the soul, and thus render 
them all channels through which the purest pleasure 
may flow into the believer's breast! How is the 
heart dignified by being made the throne where God 
reigns — and the understanding, by being made the 
palace where the King of kings resides — and the 
memory, by being made the storehouse where all 
the loving-kindnesses of a gracious God are trea- 
sured up — and the imagination, by being made a 
chariot of fire to convey the spirit up to heaven, and 
give it a glimpse of all the glories there — and the 
mind, by being made a laboratory for the contrivance 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 71 

of plans destined to advance the Redeemer's king- 
dom upon earth! And how is the body dignified 
by being made the temple of the Holy Ghost, and 
all its members by being made instruments of righ- 
teousness, consecrated to the service of the blessed 
God! — the eyes, by being made the inlets through 
which the glories of his power, as displayed in crea- 
tion, and the riches of his grace, as revealed in his 
word, are conveyed to the soul, and kindle devout 
love and adoration there — and the ears, by being 
made a channel for receiving the sweet sounds of 
his message of redeeming love — and the tongue, by 
being made a pleader in his cause, a chanter of his 
praise — and the hands, by being engaged in deeds 
of divine benevolence, and offices of Christian cha- 
rity — and the feet, by being engaged on errands 
of mercy, enabling the humble believer to copy the 
example of his Divine Master, and like him, to go 
about doing good! How does the service of God 
thus exalt the whole man, body, soul, and spirit, and 
render all alike instrumental in promoting the glory 
of God in the highest, and on earth, the happiness 
of man ! 

Nor should it be overlooked, in estimating the 
happiness derived from the consecration of all our 
talents to the service of God, that it exalts and hal- 
lows the most comparatively trivial circumstances 
into sources of pure and sweet enjoyment, by making 
them the means of embodying the Christian's grati- 
tude, and promoting the Redeemer's glory. There 
is not a duty he can be called on to discharge, at 
home or abroad, however in itself uninteresting, or 
even irksome, which is not by this means invested 
with interest and attractiveness. The feeling that 
by its faithful discharge, in such a spirit as will tend 
to adorn the doctrines of God his Saviour, he can at 
once express his grateful love towards the God of 
his salvation, and glorify him in the eyes of all 



72 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

around, imparts to the most toilsomeexertions, which 
would otherwise be felt to be the most wearying 
drudgery, a pleasurable character, which only a be- 
liever's heart can understand. Whatever is done 
for Christ's sake, and with a view to his glory, be 
it what it may in itself, must give pleasure to a 
heart where his love is enthroned in its rightful su- 
premacy. This is the principle which indeed pos- 
sesses a divine alchymy, and can turn whatever it 
touches into gold. A passing conversation, of which 
Christ is the precious theme, is thus elevated to the 
rank of a tribute of thanksgiving to a beloved Re- 
deemer's praise ; while the hope that it may be made 
instrumental in advancing his glory, renders it the 
source of more true happiness to the believer's heart 
than the most brilliant display of conversational ta- 
lent not thus hallowed could ever afford. And when 
we consider how heartless, aimless, and profitless is 
for the most part the conversation of the children 
of the world- — how often it seems to be a weary 
dragging on of one uninteresting topic after another, 
without a gleaming of intellect, or a glow of feeling, 
to enlighten or enliven it, surely we must acknow- 
ledge in this, as in every other department, the un- 
questionable superiority, as to the power of confer- 
ring real enjoyment, which Christianity possesses,, 
by rendering conversation a vehicle for the convey- 
ance from one Christian heart to another, of those 
hallowed sentiments and emotions by which they 
may both be gladdened, purified, and comforted; 
as well as an instrument for advancing the Saviour's 
glory, and the spiritual welfare of those who are as 
yet strangers to his preciousness, by pleading his 
cause affectionately and faithfully, with their under- 
standings and their hearts. For can it reasonably 
be doubted that conversation must be a source of 
higher enjoyment when it is thus employed as a 
means of promoting the noblest of all objects^ the 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 73 

glory of God in the salvation of man, than when it 
is employed merely as a method of killing so much 
time by the utterance of a certain quantity of sound, 
expended on subjects by which neither the under- 
standing nor the heart can possibly be for a single 
moment interested or improved ? And what is 
thus true of conversation, is equally true of every 
other mode of spending time — that, by devotion to 
a beloved Saviour's service, they are all redeemed 
from their own native insignificance or irksomeness, 
and invested with a high and holy character of im- 
portance and attractiveness. And whether it be a 
letter, or a visit of Christian kindness to a friend, 
or one of Christian charity to the cottage of the poor 
— whether it be the instruction of a child or a ser- 
vant at home, or a class at a Sabbath-school— whe- 
ther it be the regulation of the domestic or the so- 
cial circle — or the employment of the mind, or of 
the pen, in schemes for the advancement of human 
happiness, by the diffusion of the blessings of a Sa- 
viour's name, through the instrumentality of those 
societies which are labouring in his cause — what- 
ever, in fact, may be the manner in which time and 
talents are engaged in his service, that one thought, 
which the believer so delights to cherish, and which 
is the animating motive of all his labours of love, 
" I am working for Him who loved me with a love 
stronger than death, even the death of the cross — 
for Him to whose love I am indebted for all the 
happiness I have in time, or hope for through eter- 
nity" — that thought, I say, must impart to every 
exertion which gratitude may prompt in his dear 
Redeemer's cause, no matter of what nature the office 
in itself may be, a dignity in the believer's eyes, and 
a sweetness to his soul, for which he would deem 
the most exalted honours which an earthly monarch 

could confer, and the sweetest pleasures which an 

7* 



74 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

earthly paradise could afford, a miserably poor ex- 
change ! 

Having thus endeavoured to establish the claims 
of the Gospel to the title of the patroness of true 
happiness, on the ground of its providing the only 
sphere of service that can suitably and satisfyingly 
engage the exalted capacities of the human soul, 
I would now desire to rest its claims on another 
basis, namely, that it supplies the only hopes that 
can fully satisfy the unbounded aspirations of that 
soul. 

So long as the objects of hope are of the earth, as 
to their origin, and bounded by time, as to their du- 
ration, it is utterly impossible, from the very con- 
stitution of the soul of man, that they can fill and 
satisfy desires which were destined to find their 
adequate enjoyment only in the fruition of God, the 
bliss of heaven, the joys of immortality. We may 
apply to this view of our subject the all-important 
question of our blessed Lord, and ask, in reference 
to the realization of happiness, as resulting from the 
fulfilment of the very highest earthly hopes, which 
even the imagination itself could grasp, " What shall 
it profit a man if he should gain the whole world ?" 
Even without adverting at present to the tremen- 
dous alternative to which our Lord alludes, the loss 
of the soul for eternity, which is, by a fearful em- 
phasis, the loss of all that can make life a blessing, 
or prevent immortality from being a curse, confining 
our view now to the insufficiency of all that this 
world contains to administer full satisfaction to the 
human soul, we would feel warranted in asking, 
even for the attainment of present happiness, such 
as would completely satisfy all his desires and re- 
alize all his hopes, " What shall it profit a man, if 
he could gain the whole world ?" Could he thereby 
gain what his soul was in search of- — satisfying hap- 
piness? Would the possessor of the whole world, 
if the possession were unhallowed by its Creator's 



Of TRUE HAPPINESS. 75 

smile, be, in the true sense of the word, a happy 
man ? Would his heart, if the love of God were 
not enthroned there, be the abode of pure and per- 
fect felicity ? Undoubtedly not ! We do not fear 
to assert that the possession of the whole world, if 
unsanctified and unsweetened by its Maker's smile, 
would leave in its possessor's heart an aching void, 
which nothing short of God himself could ever fill. 
Yes, let the treasures of the whole world be lavished 
at his feet — let every sense be gratified to the very 
uttermost — let earthly pleasure, in every varied 
form, flow in on his soul through unnumbered chan- 
nels — let the loftiest ambition to which he could 
aspire for earthly glory be fully gratified — still, still 
we repeat our assertion, that happiness — true, sub- 
stantial, satisfying happiness — would be a stranger 
in his heart, — that he would still feel craving desires 
for something nobler, something more intrinsically 
precious, something more commensurate to his ca- 
pacities for enjoyment, than all the wealth, and all 
the pleasures, and all the power of the whole world 
could supply. He would still be longing for an ob- 
ject on which his heart could rest with full com- 
placency, and his hopes with full contentment, and 
that object is exclusively the blessed God. And till 
his smile poured the sunshine of heaven's happiness 
into his heart, and his voice breathed the perfect 
peace of heaven into his soul, that man, while en- 
compassed with all the splendours and luxuries that 
the w ? orld's wealth could procure, and flattered by 
the applauding voices of all the monarchs of the 
earth, kneeling in prostrate subjection at his feet, 
would feel, in the unsatisfied void that still remained 
unfilled in his heart, how true is the apostrophe of 
the poet of Christianity: 

"Oh! thou bounteous Giver of all good, 
Thou art, of all thy gifts, thyself the crown ! 
Give what thou cansl — without thee we, are poor, 
And with thcc rich — take what thou wilt away ! " 



16 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

Here, then, we see what a powerful claim the re- 
ligion of the Gospel possesses to be considered as 
the patroness of the highest happiness of which our 
nature is capable — because it supplies the only ob- 
ject of hope which can fully satisfy the aspirations 
of that passion which exercises such a paramount 
influence on the happiness of mankind. Is it not 
hope which, almost, I might say, from infancy to 
old age, is the great incentive to human exertion — 
the great spring of human enjoyment? Is not 
man prompted, by the very constitution of his na- 
ture, to be continually looking forward to some 
bright scene in the perspective of the future, which 
will, when realized, afford him that full and satis- 
fying happiness for which he so ardently pants, 
and which, in all the varied pursuits and pleasure 
of the past, he has hitherto sought in vain? The 
school-boy anticipates with eager'desire the period 
when he shall be released from the trammels of 
school-discipline, and embark, in all the pride of 
independence, on his college career. The collegian 
looks forward as eagerly to the time when he shall 
enter upon some professional path to wealth and 
honour, and surround himself with all the domestic 
enjoyments of a home of his own. The professional 
man, weighed down with the laborious occupations 
and anxieties by which he is continually burdened, 
looks forward longingly to a period of repose, when, 
with a competence secured for his family, he shall 
be enabled to enjoy a season of refreshing rest, both 
for his soul and body, before he has closed his pil- 
grimage here below. 

Thus, from the cradle to the grave, man is at once 
buoyed up and beguiled — duped, yet delighted by 
the visions of hope. Happiness, still the object of 
his pursuit, seems still to fly before him, appearing 
always to be linked with some future plan or distant 
object, whose accomplishment hope fondly whispers 
in his ear will at last secure to him the satisfaction 



OP TRUE HAPPINESS. 77 

of which he is in search ; and though still disap- 
pointed, he still clings to the delusive hope that the 
next experiment will be more successful than all the 
past; because he feels instinctively that if he once 
bid farewell to hope, and resign himself to the do- 
minion of despair, in that moment he must bid fare- 
well to happiness for ever — a funeral pall will 
thenceforward seem spread over the face of creation. 
A midnight gloom will immediately settle upon 
every scene. Life will be felt to be an intolerable 
load, and the world one wide sepulchre, where death 
reigns in dark and dreary desolation all around. 
What indeed is the most appalling conception that 
we can form of hell itself, but that it is a world where 
hope never comes, but all is wrapt in the blackness 
of the darkness of despair? If, then, hope be thus 
essential to human happiness — if its visions be those 
to which the human heart instinctively turns, look- 
ing to them for compensation and comfort for past 
disappointments, and still listening, with credulous 
and delighted ear, to the flatterer's syren voice, then 
surely we may legitimately contend that the gospel 
promotes true happiness, since it provides so effec- 
tually for the satisfying of this master passion of 
the soul, by supplying a hope which never disap- 
points, never deceives, never maketh its votary 
ashamed, but more than meets his fondest desires, 
his most exalted anticipations — yea, immeasurably 
transcends them all! For what is the Christian's 
hope? A hope that, in right of his union by a living 
faith with God's well-beloved Son, he shall, as a 
joint heir with him, be possessed of an inheritance 
of blessedness and glory, "incorruptible, and unde- 
filed, and that fadeth not away," of which he shall 
be put in full possession in the day of Christ's glo- 
rious appearing; and whose preciousness (however 
incapable the believer, while on earth, must be ade- 
quately to apprehend its infinite value) may at least 



7S THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

be in some measure conceived from the considera- 
tion that it has been purchased at no less a price 
than the blood of Him who " in the beginning was 
with God, and was God," and must therefore be — 
oh, how can human language attempt to describe, or 
human imagination to conceive what it must be to 
be worthy of such a price ! 

This is the Christian's hope ! Even that while 
the endless ages of eternity are rolling onward, be- 
holding his beloved Saviour face to face, he shall be 
still progressing along the line of infinite blessedness 
flowing from his presence and his smile — continually 
ascending to greater and still greater heights of hap- 
piness — continually passing on from one degree of 
glory to another — perpetually advancing in assimi- 
lation to the divine character, as its divine beauties 
are more fully developed to his- adoring gaze, and 
in veneration and love to the divine Source of his 
felicity, the triune God of his salvation, as fresh 
manifestations of his loving-kindness are vouchsafed, 
and he is enabled more intimately to enter into the 
mysteries of God's providential government and 
covenant of grace, and thus to hold closer and sweeter 
communion with the mind of God! This, this is 
the crown and climax of the Christian's hope! — the 
hope that throughout eternity he shall be as happy 
as it is in the power of an almighty God to make 
him ! Yes, enjoy a happiness that will satisfy the 
Son of God, as an adequate recompense, even in his 
sight, for all he suffered on behalf of those for whom 
he endured the cross, despising its shame. Reflect 
what must such happiness be! — and, as the hope of 
future bliss, if a sure hope, yields the sweetest pre- 
sent enjoyment, remember what happiness such a 
hope, unfolding such prospects for eternity must 
supply ! And then combine with this some of its 
subordinate sources of enjoyment—such as a glori- 
fied body made like unto the Redeemer's glorious 



OP TRUE HAPPINESS. 79 

body, and the prospect of sharing throughout eter- 
nity the society of angels and archangels, and all the 
company of the redeemed, and of being reunited for 
ever to those he has here loved in Christ — combine 
all this; compare it, when combined, with the bright- 
est earthly hopes that ever dazzled and disappointed 
the most devoted worshippers of this world ; and 
then say, does not Christianity tend to promote the 
happiness of the human soul immeasurably beyond 
what this false and fallacious world can do, by un- 
folding before the view, as the sure and certain in- 
heritance of all her faithful votaries, the glories and 
the blessedness of such a hope as this? 

Christian, behold thy hope ! And is there that 
earthly sorrow that can depress or darken thy spirit, 
when supported and brightened hy such a hope? 
Think, too, what should be thy gratitude to Him 
who has purchased it for thee with his own most 
precious blood! 



CHAPTER V. 



THE ANTIDOTE TO ANXIETY. 

The third ground on which I would establish the 
proposition, that the Gospel is promotive of true 
happiness, is that it supplies the only effectual anti- 
dote to all those apprehensions and anxieties which 
poison the springs of human enjoyment. 

To endeavour to enumerate, or even to classify, 
the diversified evils to which the children of men 
are exposed, and the fear of which must inevitably 
haunt those who are looking for their happiness to 
this world, and thus imbitter all their enjoyments, 
would be indeed a hopeless task; since there is not 



80 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

an object on which the votary of this world can fix 
his affections, which may not in a moment be con- 
verted, by some sudden calamity, from a source of 
the purest felicity which earthly objects can supply, 
into a spring of the bitterest anguish which the hu- 
man heart can feel. With the hope, however, to 
give some measure of distinctness to the considera- 
tion of this subject, I would observe, that we may 
divide those apprehensions, which so perpetually 
harass the mind and cloud the enjoyments of the 
children of the world, under two general heads — 
first, the fear of those desolating afflictions, by which 
all earthly happiness may be suddenly destroyed; 
and secondly, the fear of death, and what is to fol- 
low after death. 

As to the first — The fear of desolating afflictions, 
which no prudence can prevent,- has always been 
one of the chief imbitterers of the cup of earthly 
happiness. The feeling of insecurity, in spite of 
every effort to exclude it, will often intrude, as an 
unwelcome visiter on the idolater of earthly objects 
in the hour of enjoyment; and, glaring on his trou- 
bled spirit, as with a spectral glance, disturb his re- 
pose and mar his mirth. He cannot always succeed 
\ in shaking off the terrifying conviction, that some 
\ of those overwhelming visitations, from which he 
cannot, by any conceivable precaution or policy, 
screen himself, may suddenly sweep, like the blight- 
; ing blast of the simoom, over all his joys, and leave 
his heart a desert indeed. He is often forced to re- 
member, that let the gourd of earthly bliss, under 
whose shadow, he so delights to repose, be ever so 
flourishing, a worm may come in an unlooked-for 
hour, and, in a moment, wither that, gourd. Take 
the most favourable representation of earthly happi- 
ness which even fancy itself can sketch. Let the 
fond heart have treasured up his affection in a happy 
home, where the spirit of domestic love has breathed 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 81 

its sweet influences into every bosom, and all the 
members are linked together in the closest and ten- 
derest ties. Surely, you may say, if happiness is 
to be found on earth, it will be found in the bosom 
of such a home as this! Yes! most surely, if the 
love of God be there, and if a Saviour's smile shed 
its halo round all the domestic enjoyments of a hap- 
py, because a hallowed, home. But if this be not 
the case, ah! where is the security for its happiness? 
Alas! on what a sandy foundation is the fabric built! 
Visit that home to-day. A smile is sparkling on 
every countenance ! The voice of gladness is echo- 
ing through ever}^ room! You feel as if you were 
encompassed with an atmosphere of sunshine, 
which has shed its brightening beams on all around. 
Return a week — perchance a day. Why is all si- 
lent; in that home of happy hearts? What means 
the gloom that gathers on every face, and seems to 
spread a darkening cloud over every scene? Ah! 
do you not feel, that the angel of death has crossed 
the threshold of that house? Does not an instinc- 
tive shuddering tell you, that the destroyer of earth- 
ly happiness has been there? Yes! the shadow of 
death has fallen upon it! The sunshine that once 
gladdened it has been shrouded in its gloom! And 
in the voices of lamentation, and mourning, and 
wo, that are around you, you may learn the truth 
of the touching declaration of the poet, that, if men 
desire to secure at once satisfying and abiding 
happiness — 

" Too low they build, who build below the skies." 

But, independently of the destruction of domestic 
happiness by the drying up of its fountain-head, oh ! 
to how many distracting anxieties must the heart 
which has treasured up in a comparatively happy, 
but not hallowed, home, its all of earthly hope and 
joy, incessantly be a prey ! How must it be haunt- 

cS 



■ 



82 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

ed by the fear of the chilling blight of poverty, or 
the wasting breath of lingering sickness, or the dis- 
appointment of cherished hopes, connected with the 
development of the character, or the determination 
of the destiny, of its beloved members, as they ad- 
vance beyond the period of childhood into the temp- 
tations and trials of riper years! In proportion to 
the intensity of its love for objects round which its 
affections are entwined, must be the agitating anxie- 
ties of such a heart, if it has not learned to repose 
them, with what has been happily called a " faithful 
carelessness," on the bosom of a Saviour's love. 
Who can tell what a fond heart must suffer, in a 
world like this, on behalf of those to whom it clings 
for happiness, if it has to bear the burden of its 
crushing apprehensions in the unaided strength of 
its own weakness, unsupported and unsoothed by 
the promises and consolations of a covenant God? 
And even where the tenderer affections do not in- 
vest such anxieties with what we may call a more 
disinterested and generous character, where self is 
the object of exclusive solicitude, what perpetual 
alarms must the most thoroughly selfish bosom feel! 
What pursuit can the most devoted worshipper of 
self engage in, so secure of success, that he must not 
tremble with apprehension, lest, after all his exer- 
tions, he may be baffled by some unexpected con- 
tingency, and see all his darling hopes lie withered 
in the dust? He knows that, in the competition 
for the prizes that this world holds out, "the race 
is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the 
strong," He knows, that some untoward event, 
which he can neither foresee nor hinder, may cross 
him in his path, and frustrate all his schemes. How 
can he ward off the stroke of disease, the fickleness 
of friends, the oppressor's wrong, the proud man's 
contumely ? Or how prevent these from exercising 
a most disastrous influence on his worldly career? 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 83 

Well, well may it be said, that the heart tossed by- 
such agitating apprehensions, is like the troubled 
sea, that cannot rest; and surely, if there be a prin- 
ciple that has power to calm these agitations — if 
there be a spirit which can say, with a voice of au- 
thority, to this troubled sea, "Peace — be still!" — 
that spirit must be a ministering spirit of peace 
and joy to the children of men! 

Such a principle, I contend, the Gospel supplies. 
Such a spirit breathes in every page of that revela- 
tion of redeeming love. It is not that the Christian 
is a stoic, and thus shielded from these anxieties 
and apprehensions by the callous insensibility of an 
apathetic heart. Nor is it that he has any warrant 
of special security from the assaults of these afflic- 
tive dispensations — any promised privilege of ex- 
emption from the thousand ills that flesh is heir to. 
No! so far from this, Christianity increases the 
strength of his affections, and the tenderness of his 
solicitudes, for the objects on whom his heart has 
centred its earthly love; and the express promise 
of his Divine Master to him is, " In the world you 
shall have tribulation," while the experience of the 
children of God in every age has been, that "Whom 
the Lord loveth, He chasteneth." So that, instead 
of exemption from the various afflictions which 
abound in this vale of tears, they are rather taught 
to expect a larger measure, as the portion that will 
be allotted to them, by their Heavenly Father's 
hand. How then is it, that the Gospel supplies the 
effectual antidote of which I have spoken, to all 
those anxieties and apprehensions which poison the 
very springs of human happiness ? How ? By the 
assurance which breathes the very peace of heaven 
into the believer's soul, that the arrangement of 
every event of his life, in which his welfare and 
happiness, for time and for eternity, are concerned, 
is in the hands of the God of his salvation — that in- 



84 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

finite wisdom, power, and love are all employed in 
that arrangement, and pledged to conduct it to a 
prosperous issue — that he is therefore warranted to 
believe all is safe, as to his real interests, temporal 
and eternal, and can never be endangered, until in- 
finite wisdom can be mistaken, infinite power de- 
feated, and infinite love exhausted ; or, in other 
words, until God ceases to be God! Oh! how se- 
cure must be the happiness which is exposed to the 
danger of destruction or decay from no conceiva- 
ble casualty except this! 

And as the Christian is thus entitled to look on 
his eventual and eternal happiness as inviolably se- 
cure, equally is he entitled to expect with cheer- 
ful confidence, that in carrying on His scheme of un- 
changeable and unerring love, to its full accomplish- 
ment, his Heavenly Father will .employ both the 
wisest and tenderest means; never withholding a 
single temporal blessing which would be really pro- 
motive of his everlasting welfare, and never appoint- 
ing a single affliction which was not indispensably 
required, and will not infallibly work, for his eter- 
nal good. 

Thus does the Christian feel privileged to antici- 
pate the very largest measure of earthly enjoyment, 
and the very least measure of earthly trial, which 
are compatible with the advancement of his everlast- 
ing happiness. And as the meting out of the measure, 
in both cases, is in the hands of the only wise God, 
his Saviour, how can he consistently feel a shadow 
of uneasiness, or wrong such love as His by a sha- 
dow of suspicion, lest there should be in his allotted 
portion, one particle more of earthly sorrow, or one 
particle less of earthly joy, than infallible wisdom 
knows to be necessary for the full accomplishment 
of the purposes of everlasting love ! 

Here, then, the mystery of the Christian's unruf- 
fled cheerfulness, amidst all the calamities by which 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 85 

he is encompassed or threatened, is satisfactorily 
explained ! Here is the secret of that peace, which, 
amidst all the experienced or anticipated trials of 
life, he is privileged to possess! He has contem- 
plated with the eye of faith, on Calvary's cross, a 
love which indeed passeth all knowledge; and being 
well assured that to that love is intrusted the ap- 
portioning of his daily measure of earthly good or 
evil, as they are called, he feels fully satisfied with 
the allotted measure of each. 

He has penetrated the depths of that wonderful 
question of the Apostle, — "He that spared not His 
own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how 
shall He not with Him also freely give us all 
things?" He feels that the utter impossibility, 
there implied, of any really good thing being with- 
held from him by his God and Father, since He 
withheld not from him His own, His only Son, 
but delivered Him up for his sake to the death of 
the cross, affords the most triumphant motive for 
cheerful expectation of every real earthly good, and 
cheerful submission to every appointed earthly tri- 
bulation, since He is privileged to look on both as 
equally the gifts of such a Father's love. 

The Christian's cheerfulness is not then derived 
from the delusive expectation, that his voyage 
through life will be uniformly tranquil, over a sea 
always unruffled by a storm; but from the seriptu- 
rally warranted confidence, that not a storm shall 
ever rise, but by his beloved Saviour's permission; 
and that whether the sea be tranquil or tempestuous, 
that Saviour will guide him alike, in calm or storm, 
to the sheltering haven of eternal rest. He does 
not expect to tread a path of unclouded sunshine, 
strewed at every step with flowers, in his pilgrim- 
age through this wilderness-world to the Canaan 
above; but he knows assuredly, (and this is enough 
to keep his soul in perfect peace,) that not a cloud 



86 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

will ever darken his pathway, nor a thorn ever 
pierce his feet, unless by the appointment of his own 
Redeemer's love, — and he feels the full force of a 
most cheering and consolatory reflection, which I 
once heard from a distinguished and devoted servant 
of God, "that the Redeemer is infinitely raised above 
all temptation unnecessarily to afflict His people." 

Thus it is that the believer is kept in perfect 
peace, by that God on whom his mind is stayed — 
because he trusteth in Him. Thus it is, that "his 
heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord," and that there- 
fore he "feareth no evil tidings;" for what possible 
event can be the messenger of evil tidings to him 
who has the plighted promise of a faithful God, that 
He will make all things work together for his good? 
How then can he fear what will come in the un- 
known future, who knows that nothing but what 
is good can come to him from the hand of his Sa- 
viour and his God ? 

It is the abiding recollection of this most com- 
forting assurance, brought home to the heart with 
power by the Holy Spirit, which so effectually tran- 
quillizes the Christian's breast in the anticipation of 
the future history of his life, and preserves him 
from those tormenting anxieties and alarms, which 
continually harass and distract the worldling's 
mind. Nor is it merely the conviction, that un- 
necessary trials will not be appointed for him by 
that tender Father, who has already lavished on 
him such amazing proofs of His boundless love, 
which thus shields him from the assaults of distract- 
ing disquietude; but also the sweet conviction, that 
if trials should be appointed, as being required for 
the advancement of his spiritual welfare, they will 
come to Him as messengers of mercy, to fulfil the 
gracious purposes of his Heavenly Father's love. 
He knows, that if they come, they will be accom- 
panied by such supplies of supporting strength, and 



OP TRUE HAPPINESS. 87 

gladdening consolation, as will constrain him to 
reckon them among the choicest mercies he has ever 
received from the God of all his blessings. He 
feels assured, that if that God does allure him into 
the wilderness, it will be for the purpose of there 
speaking comfortably unto him — that if he does 
banish him from the society and enjoyments of the 
world, He will make his solitude a Patmos to his 
soul. He remembers that the school of sanctified 
affliction is that in which the children of God, in 
every age, have learned the sweetest and most pre- 
cious lessons of a Saviour's faithfulness, sympathy, 
and love — have acquired the most matured meet- 
ness for their heavenly inheritance — have been 
moulded into the closest conformity to their Divine 
Master's image — have enjoyed the most endearing 
communion with the Holy Spirit, the Comforter — 
and have found the most abundant opportunities for 
promoting the Redeemer's glory, by the exhibition 
(which so powerfully recommends His Gospel) of 
the peace, and joy, and consolation, which He im- 
parts to His people in their day of trial. Now, 
surely, when the Christian reflects on all this, he 
cannot shrink with shuddering alarm, from becoming 
a scholar in Christ's school of sanctified sorrow; 
but may confidently leave it with cheerful compo- 
sure, in the hands of that beloved Saviour, to ap- 
point what lessons he is to learn, and what station 
is to be assigned to him, in that heavenly school! 

Now, when we combine these two considera- 
tions — that the Christian knows assuredly that he 
will not be afflicted by his Heavenly Father, in any 
one particular, unless so far as there is a gracious 
<; need be" for the affliction; and, further, that, if 
from this cause it be appointed, it will come with 
such a message of love on its lips, and such a crowd 
of blessings in its train, as will compel him with 
a grateful heart, to exclaim, " It is good for me that 



mm 



88 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

I have been afflicted, 5 ' — we must confess that the 
Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ does indeed sup- 
ply an effectual antidote to all those distracting 
anxieties and disquieting alarms, which disturb the 
peace and imbitter the enjoyments of the children 
of the world, and is, on this ground, justly entitled 
to be regarded as the patroness of the true happi- 
ness of mankind. 

Nor is it less friendly to that happiness, by allay- 
ing the feverishness of inordinate desire for earthly 
good, than by calming the disquietude of torment- 
ing fear of earthly ill. And this it effects by the 
same assurance, that the disposal of each is in a wise 
and loving Father's hands. Thus, if a child of God 
is led to wish for the attainment of any object, the 
success of any scheme, as calculated to be conducive 
in his estimation, to the advancement of his real 
happiness, for time and for eternity, he is privileged 
to feel satisfied — that if he is correct in his estima- 
tion, the object of his desire will assuredly be grant- 
ed to him — and only denied if his Heavenly Father, 
in His infinite wisdom, know that denial to be 
needful for the promotion of the everlasting wel- 
fare of His beloved child, whom He loves too ten- 
derly to injure him by bestowing what He sees 
would prove to him not a blessing, but a bane. 

This one reflection checks, with the child of God, 
all tormenting solicitude in the pursuit of any fan- 
cied earthly good, and all repining discontent, if 
disappointed in his fondly-cherished hope. When 
he says to himself, "I am quite sure that my Hea- 
venly Father would have given it to me, if it would 
really have been for my good, seeing that He with- 
held not from, me His Son — His own and only Son ! 
— must not this at once silence the rising murmurs 
of complaint, even if his darling hope of earthly 
happiness be withered in the dust? Nor let it be 
thought, that this view will paralyze the energy of 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 89 

exertion, in pursuit of any apparently desirable ob- 
ject of earthly good. No ; so far from this, it will 
inspire every exertion with increased energy from 
the assurance of success, if success would be really 
a blessing to his soul. Knowing that his God is 
a God of means, he will embark in the undertaking 
(once he has ascertained that, when weighed in the 
balance of the sanctuary, it is suitable to his charac- 
ter, as a faithful follower of the Lamb) with the 
most cheerful alacrity, resolved to use only those 
means for the attainment of his object, which he can 
consistently entreat his God to bless. And thus he 
will feel fully warranted to conclude, that, if it will 
be really for his own good, and the glory of his 
God, his exertions will most assuredly be crowned 
with success; and that disappointment will only be 
the result, if the object be one, which, however spe- 
cious in appearance, would really prove injurious to 
his soul, and which, therefore, his Heavenly Fa- 
ther loves him too well to grant. Oh! what a de- 
lightful tendency has this thought to shed over the 
believer's spirit that holy calm — that abiding peace 
of God — which is neither ruffled by distracting fear, 
nor feverish desire; but, like an infant slumbering 
in fearless security on its mother's breast, reposes 
with a tranquillizing trust on the bosom of a Sa- 
viour's love! 

This conviction will also free him from all un- 
easy apprehensions, lest any of what the w 7 orld calls 
accidents, or casualties, should thwart his schemes, 
or disappoint his hopes. 

Firmly believing that nothing happens by chance 
in the providential government of God, but that 
all events are ordered by His infallible wisdom, and 
that all hearts are in His hands, he feels assured, 
that, no possible contingency can arise to frustrate 
his plans, or prevent him from attaining the object 
of his wishes, if his covenant God sees it to be for 



90 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

his good, and is determined to accomplish it for 
him, by crowning his efforts with success. He 
knows that no human or infernal policy or power, 
can baffle Jehovah's wisdom, or defeat His omnipo- 
tence; and, therefore, he fears no disappointment 
from any source but that one, which will reconcile 
him to disappointment of his dearest hopes — even 
the love of the God of his salvation. He has used 
that precious recipe prescribed by the Heavenly 
Physician, as a cure for carefulness (Phil. iv. 6, 7,) 
and has experienced its sovereign efficacy in keep- 
ing his mind in perfect peace. This thought also 
restrains him from the use of any unwarrantable 
means for the accomplishment of his object, and 
thus saves him from all the misery which the use of 
such means must necessarily involve. He knows 
they cannot be required any more than sanctioned 
by his God; for that he could, in one moment, by a 
single suggestion whispered to the heart, bias in his 
favour the most determined opponent of his wishes, 
and thus remove what appeared the most insupera- 
ble obstacles to his success. He thus goes on calm- 
ly and cheerfully in the use of all legitimate means, 
striving to attain what his heart, in a spirit of sub- 
missiveness to the divine will desires, with a sweet 
confidence of ultimate triumph over every difficul- 
ty, and of a full realization of all his wishes, if the 
love which bled and died for him on Calvary can 
consent to the grant; and if that love withhold it, 
oh! can he for one moment be so wayward as to 
wish what it withholds, or so ungrateful as to com- 
plain at what it appoints? 

There is another point of view in which the reli- 
gion of the Gospel tends to the promotion of human 
happiness, in connexion with the freedom from tor- 
menting anxiety about earthly joy or sorrow, to 
which we have been adverting. And that is, that 
it moderates the believer's solicitude on the subject, 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 91 

by reducing all earthly objects and events to their 
proper level in his estimation, and assigning to them 
a subordinate station in his affections; and thus pre- 
serves him from that distracting apprehension, on 
their behalf, to which the idolaters of earthly enjoy- 
ments are necessarily exposed. The man whose 
supreme, whose entire happiness is concentrated on 
the things of earth, cannot escape from the harrow- 
ing fear, which bringeth torment, that in a moment 
he may be deprived of the objects to which he 
clings with such a desperate tenacity, and with them 
lose all the happiness which his heart desires. Often 
will this harrowing fear pass like a withering blight 
over his spirit, a deep and chilling gloom, while all 
around him seems lit up with the sunshine of glad- 
ness. But such a fear can never darken the spirit, 
or imbitter the enjoyments of a child of God. No! 
no ! His heart has been, by the grace of God, effec- 
tually cured of the idolatrous love of earthly objects, 
however deservedly dear. In the heart where Je- 
sus reigns without a rival, enthroned there in His 
rightful supremacy, no idol can be allowed, set up 
and worshipped; and therefore the agony of appre- 
hension, lest that idol be destroyed, (which is the 
penalty that the idolater must pay for his inordinate 
love of the creature whom he has permitted to usurp 
in his heart the Creator's prerogative and place,) 
this agony (and, oh, it is indeed the poisoner of the 
sweetest cup of earthly enjoyment !) is one which 
the consistent Christian never can endure. His su- 
preme happiness, he feels assured, is inviolably safe. 
It is in the keeping of Almighty God : therefore no 
earthly chance or change can intercept its course, 
or prevent it from flowing down into his soul from 
its inexhaustible fountain above. All his earthly 
hopes may wither and decay — all his earthly friends 
may forsake him from fickleness, or be torn from 
him by death — riches may flee away, and strength 



92 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

may fail — every source of earthly enjoyment may 
be dried up — and sorrow and suffering, in every va- 
riety of form, beset his path ; — still, amidst this 
desolation of all his earthly hopes and happiness, the 
child of God can look up with a cheerful smile from 
the wilderness of this world to the heaven where his 
God and Saviour dwells, and where he hopes ere 
long to dwell with him for ever; and with a joyful, 
yea, with a thankful heart, take up the language of 
the prophet, (Habak. iii. 17, 18,) and say, "Al- 
though the fig-tree shall not blossom, neither shall 
fruit be in the vines — the labour of the olive shall 
fail, and the fields shall yield no meat — the flocks 
shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no 
herd in the stalls; yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I 
will joy in the God of my salvation!''" 

Yes, God is a satisfying, an all-sufficient portion 
for his people ! Earthly cisterns may all be bro- 
ken, but in Him the believer finds a fountain of 
living waters, ever full and ever flowing, from which 
he can at all times drink those refreshing draughts 
of pure felicity, by which his otherwise unquencha- 
ble thirst for happiness will be abundantly satisfied. 

It is this conviction which keeps the Christian's 
mind in such sweet tranquillity, amidst all the alter- 
nations of earthly prosperity and adversity; and 
enables him to enjoy the former and endure the lat- 
ter with a sober equanimity, which adds immeasu- 
rably to the enjoyment of the one, and takes almost 
all its bitterness from the other. He feels that 
since his supreme happiness is safe, he need not be 
distracted with anxiety about that which flows from 
any subordinate source. He feels that he can never 
be made a bankrupt where his heart's chief trea- 
sures are laid up. His heart being no longer set on 
earth as the resting-place of his affections, but habi- 
tuated to look on heaven as its home, he is enabled 
to regard the various scenes through which he is 
passing, with the eye of a traveller who is journey- 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. .93 

ing to a happy home. And never are the comforts 
of life enjoyed with a sweeter relish, than when 
they are thus regarded by a Christian as the accom- 
modations of his heavenward journey, mercifully 
provided for him by his Heavenly Father's loving- 
kindness and care. And never do the sorrows of 
life press less heavily on the spirit, than when the 
Christian pilgrim most fully feels that he is but 
a traveller here below — that his heart, as well as 
his home, is in heaven — and that he should even 
welcome the storms, however rough may be their 
blast, which serve additionally to endear to his 
thoughts and his affections the hoped-for happiness 
of that heavenly home. 

Surely, then, if these things be so — if the believer 
is thus privileged to feel secure, that the very lar- 
gest measure of earthly happiness, and the very least 
measure of earthly affliction, seen by infinite wis- 
dom to be most conducive to his everlasting wel- 
fare, will be meted out for him by his covenant- 
God; and if, by being preserved from the agony in- 
separable from all idolatrous attachment to earthly 
objects, and possessed of the sweet assurance that his 
chief happiness (that which has God in Christ, for 
its source, heaven for its home, and eternity for its 
duration) is inviolably safe, he is enabled to look, 
without feverish desire or fretful alarm, on the al- 
ternations of earthly joy or grief that may be ap- 
pointed for him, and thus to receive the one with 
cheerful contentment, and the other with as cheer- 
ful resignation, and both with equal thankfulness, 
as both are equally the tokens of a Father's love — 
surely we have redeemed our pledge, and are 
warranted in asserting that the Gospel is promo- 
tive of true happiness, on the ground of supply- 
ing an effectual antidote to the anxieties and ap- 
prehensions which, with the children of the world, 
poison the springs of all earthly enjoyment. 
9 



94 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

I cannot close this chapter without briefly advert- 
ing to the deep debt of gratitude which the Chris- 
tian owes to the Holy Spirit, in connexion with the 
subject that the chapter brings before our view. 

It is this Blessed Spirit who, in the discharge oi 
His gracious office of the Comforter, gives such 
sweet and soothing influence to the motives for 
cheerful trust and acquiescence in God's fatherly 
love and appointments, which we have been engaged 
in considering. It is this Blessed Spirit who im- 
parts to the believer's soul such a grateful sense of the 
Father's love in the gift of His dear Son, as ena- 
bles it to repose, with unquestioning confidence 
and contentment, in the wisdom, faithful ness, and 
tenderness of that love. 

It is this Divine Comforter who breathes His 
own dove-like Spirit of serenity -and peace into the 
believer's breast, and makes every precious promise 
of the Gospel so redolent of holy joy to the thank- 
ful Christian's heart. Whatever comfort has ever 
flowed into his soul through the sacred channel of 
the divine ordinances, whether, when engaged in 
public or private prayer, in studying God's holy 
word, or attending the Sabbath services and sacra- 
mental table — whatever gladness, emanating from 
the light of God's countenance, has gilt the gloom of 
his sorrow in the hour of silent meditation, in the 
retirement of his closet, or social converse with 
Christian friends — for all, he is indebted to the love, 
and presence, and power of God the Holy Ghost. 
Oh ! how gratefully, then, should he love, how con- 
fidingly cleave to, this gentle gracious Comforter! 
How jealously should he guard against grieving Him 
by neglect, or provoking Him by the indulgence of 
any tempers or practices which He abhors, to with- 
draw the manifestations of His grace ! How tender- 
ly should he cherish His every suggestion, and com- 
ply with his every command, walking in all the 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



95 



ways of His appointment, even those ways of holi- 
ness and filial obedience to the commands of God, 
on which this Blessed Spirit delights to shed the 
brightest illumination of His smile, and to cheer 
those that are following their Saviour's footsteps 
therein with the sweetest whisperings of His voice ! 
And how much more abundantly would the Chris- 
tian be enabled to repose, amidst the agitating scenes 
of life, in perfect peace — to "rejoice in tribulation" 
— and to glorify his God amidst the fires of affliction, 
if he more devoutly implored, more faithfully fol- 
lowed, and more tenderly cherished, the renewing, 
strengthening, and comforting influences of the 
Holy Spirit — the Divine and only effectual Teach- 
er, Sanctifier, and Comforter of the children of God ! 



CHAPTER VI. 



THE FEAR OF DEATH. 



We now come to speak of that most overwhelm- 
ing anxiety, which more than any other imbitters 
the enjoyments of the worldling, the fear of death, 
and of what follows after death. Nor is there any 
particular in which the religion of the Gospel more 
triumphantly vindicates her claim to be regarded as 
the patroness of human happiness, than by dispel- 
ling this fear, and substituting in its place a calm 
composure, if not always an elevated joy, in the an- 
ticipation of death. 

Let the worldling struggle as he may to banish 
altogether from his mind the subject of death, he 
cannot entirely succeed. There are times when it 
will force itself upon his consideration, in spite of 
all his efforts to drive it away. There are moments 



9G 



THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 



when its voice will be heard, notwithstanding the 
desperate exertions he makes to silence it; and it 
is a voice which, however he may affect to brave 
its threatenings, will strike terror into his inmost 
soul. How often does the appalling thought; that 
he must die — and the more appalling apprehension 
of what may come after death — force themselves 
on his mind in the midst of his ungodly merriment, 
and fling their dark shadow over the brightest scenes 
of earthly bliss! To die— to appear before a holy 
God — to see a despised Saviour face to face — to 
launch into eternity — oh! these are awful considera- 
tions — and there are seasons when the most deter- 
mined votary of the world cannot entirely shut 
them out, or prevent them from overwhelming his 
spirit with unutterable alarm. He may plunge into 
the vortex of dissipation — but even there a fearful 
whisper, that tells him he must die, and enter on a 
dark, unknown eternity, will often be heard with 
dreadful distinctness, amidst the loudest roar of wild 
intemperance and unhallowed mirth. He ma}^ seek 
for purer pleasures in the tranquil bosom of a hap- 
py home — but there too will the unwelcome thought 
intrude, and darken all his domestic happiness with 
the gloom of the shadow of death. He may travel 
from clime to clime, and endeavour, by ceaseless 
change of residence, and continual excitement in 
visiting new scenes, to get rid of the alarming intru- 
der on his enjoyment — but in vain! Often will the 
thought flash across him, that he may flee from home, 
but cannot flee from death — that he may forget, but 
cannot prevent, its approach. And then there will 
come times, when death approaches him in such a 
form that he cannot refuse to look on him, and lis- 
ten to his voice — however, like Felix, he may trem- 
ble before the messenger of God, as conscience rea- 
sons with him of righteousness, and temperance, and 
judgment to come. Death may visit his family,, 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



97 



and there seize upon the object that is most closely- 
twined around his heart. Can he, while standing 
beside that beloved one's dying bed, or hanging 
over the lifeless form, or listening to the thrilling 
sound which announces the return of dust to dust — 
oh ! can he then forget that he too must die — that 
an hour must come when friends will gather round 
his dying bed, and hang over his lifeless form, and 
stand beside his grave! — and can he, at such a mo- 
ment, forbear to think, where will his soul, his 
undying soul, then be? Can he hope it will be 
with a God he has daringly insulted — with a Sa- 
viour he has contemptuously scorned — in a heaven 
he has contentedly resigned ? If not — where — with 
who?u — in what scenes — in what society will it be ? 
Oh! what visions of the worm that dieth not — of 
the fire that is not quenched — of the accursed com- 
panionship of the devil and his angels — of being 
plunged into the blackness of darkness for ever — 
of being tormented through a wo-worn eternity 
with ever-gnawing remorse for having despised a 
Saviour's love — may harrow up his soul with such 
unseen agonies and terrors, as convince him, by a 
tremendous pre-intimation, a dreadful foretaste of 
hell, that it must be indeed "a fearful thing to fall 
into the hands of the living God !" He may succeed 
in partially allaying these terrors and agonies by 
delusive and destructive opiates, which Satan will 
gladly supply, that he may thus secure his wretched 
victim for eternity. He may whisper to his soul that 
God is merciful — that he will repent at a more con- 
venient season — that he is not worse than thousands 
around him, and surely all these cannot be destined 
for everlasting destruction ; but still he cannot, by all 
this sophistry, succeed in altogether banishing his 
fears. A secret dread still hangs over him. God is 
merciful, it is true ; but he feels that he is abusing that 
mercy, and he cannot be certain, but that such un- 
9* 



Hi 



98 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

grateful abuse of such amazing mercy may wear out 
the patience even of a long-suffering God, and even 
afford a ground for deeper condemnation, as the just 
recompense of deeper guilt. All this must keep his 
mind in a state of uneasiness and alarm. To be 
compelled to brood over the remembrance of all his 
ingratitude to God — all his contempt of the Sa- 
viour's proffered grace — all the mercy he has 
spurned — all the happiness he has lost, and this for 
ever and ever ! oh, into what an eternity will death 
usher his undying soul ! He may for the present 
banish the subject of death from his thoughts, and 
thus strive to shut out the prospect of this eternity 
of unutterable wo; but another visitation in his 
family circle, or some threatening attack of illness 
to himself, will force it again on his reluctant spirit, 
and bring back with it all its attendant train of har- 
rowing fears, and insupportable anguish. 

How supremely wretched is the condition of that 
man, however prosperous his career in the world, 
however encompassed with the materials for earthly 
enjoyment, who is thus perpetually liable to have 
his happiness destroyed by an intruder whom all 
his vigilance cannot exclude, and whose sudden 
and unwelcome appearance may at any moment, 
like the hand-writing on the wall that terrified the 
impious monarch of old in the midst of his unhal- 
lowed feast, mar all the merriment of the ungodly 
reveller, and shake his inmost soul with convulsive 
fear! What misery to be continually endeavouring 
to forget what you at the same time feel that for- 
getfulness cannot avert! — To have an instinctive 
and shuddering consciousness continually haunting 
you, that all your enjoyments are at the mercy of one 
blighting recollection, which it requires the most 
desperate efforts to ward off; and which, with all 
those efforts, will ever and anon intrude itself, and 
force on the mind the appalling reflection, that the 



OP TRUE HAPPINESS. 99 

enemy so dreaded is, with sure though silent step, 
advancing nearer every day, and that the most pro- 
found oblivion cannot for the space of one moment 
retard the arrival of this formidable foe, the ruth- 
less destroyer of all earthly happiness and all earth- 
ly hopes! Now, just contrast with this the Chris- 
tian's triumph over the fear of death. Behold him 
more than conqueror over this enemy of our peace, 
through that Saviour who loved him and gave 
Himself for him to death, even the death of the 
cross! Assured that his sins are blotted out in that 
Saviour's atoning blood, that his soul is clothed in 
that Saviour's justifying righteousness, and that the 
Everlasting Father loves him with unutterable love, 
for His dear Son's sake, what is there in death to 
terrify his spirit, or to mar his joys? He sees the 
monster disarmed of its sting by his Almighty Re- 
deemer's death. So that he can take up, with 
humble confidence and holy joy, the triumphant 
exclamation, — " Oh! death, where is thy sting? Oh! 
grave, where is thy victory?" He does not shrink 
from the prospect of going down into the dark val- 
ley of the shadow of death, for he knows that his 
beloved Saviour will be with him there — that His 
everlasting arms will uphold his fainting spirit — 
His irradiating smile will gild the valley's gloom — 
and that through it, conducted safely by His guiding 
hand, his emancipated spirit will pass into the pre- 
sence of the God of his salvation, to rejoice there 
with joy unspeakable and full of glory forever and 
ever! 

I do not mean to say, that it is always the privi- 
lege of the Christian thus to triumph, with such 
exulting confidence, over the fear of death. There 
may be times when faith is weak, and hope is cloud- 
ed, and the aversion with which nature instinctively 
shrinks from dissolution may inspire a temporary 
terror even in a Christian's soul. And there are 



100 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

times, too, when the prospect of parting from the 
beloved ones of earth must dart a thrill of acutest 
anguish even into a Christian's heart. But, after 
all this has been admitted, it is beyond all contro- 
versy, that the fear of death can never, unless men- 
tal, be combined with bodily disease, haunt the spi- 
rit of a consistent child of God with such distracting 
terrors as, in spite of all his efforts to banish the 
unwelcome thought, will often rush on the votary 
of the world when the prospect of death is forced 
on his reluctant view. And therefore I contend, 
that by entirely dispelling, or so mitigating this 
fear that it no longer hath torment, but is softened 
down into a chastened solicitude, which only con- 
strains the Christian to cling more closely to his 
God for supporting strength to carry him safely, if 
not rejoicingly, through this dreaded hour, Chris- 
tianity has achieved the most glorious triumph over 
the greatest enemy of human happiness, since, by 
revealing that all-sufficient atonement by which the 
sinner can be reconciled to his offended God, and 
death be made the gate-way to everlasting life, she 
has enabled her faithful followers to look on this 
once-dreaded foe as changed into a much-loved 
friend, whose summons, calling on them to depart 
from the sins and sorrows of earth to " be with 
Christ" amidst the fulness of joy in heaven, they 
are prepared, with cheerful if not exulting compli- 
ance, to obey. And nothing assuredly can more 
directly tend to enable any individual to enjoy, 
with the sweetest relish, every purified pleasure 
that earth affords, than to be able to anticipate, 
with cheerfulhope, the summons of death as a wel- 
come messenger from a beloved Saviour, commis- 
sioned to deliver His dear servant from the sorrows 
of mortality, that so his unshackled spirit may enter 
into the joy of his Lord. Nothing, on the other 
hand, can more directly tend, as we have . before 



OP TRUE HAPPINESS. 101 

shown, to poison all earthly enjoyment, than that 
haunting and harrowing fear of death, as the termi- 
nation of all earthly happiness, and the entrance on 
a dreaded eternity, from whose tormenting intru- 
sion the votary of the world can never entirely 
escape. 

Were 1 then asked, what I considered the most 
infallible specific for the enjoyment of life, 1 would 
answer without hesitation — conquer on scriptural 
grounds the fear of death; for never till you have 
learned, at the foot of the cross, to triumph over 
the fear of death, will you be able, in any rational 
sense of the word, to enjoy life. But once you can 
with truth say — u With me to live is Christ, and 
therefore to die will be gain," you have discovered 
the true secret of human happiness. Yes! once you 
are enabled, as a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus 
Christ, to regard death as disarmed of all its terrors, 
and the grave as the gate of eternal life — the portal 
of heaven — then {but not till then) you are indeed 
in a condition and capacity to enter on the enjoy- 
ment of life. 

For then, instead of being perpetually haunted 
by the reflection, that as each day is passing over, 
it is bringing you nearer to the termination of all 
your hopes and happiness, and the hour of conflict 
with your direst foe, and of entrance on a dark 
eternity, you will be cheered and gladdened by the 
thought that each day, as it rolls along, is bringing 
you nearer that happy, happy hour, when your 
earthly warfare shall be accomplished, and you shall 
see the Saviour, whom you so love, face to face, 
arid rejoice in His presence with unutterable joy. 
Now is it not obvious, that this anticipation will 
capacitate }-ou for the very sweetest enjoyment of 
whatever happiness the purified pleasures of earth 
can supply? Must you not be happy when, as 
each day goes over, you can say to yourself — " I 



102 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

am a day nearer heaven — a day nearer the blissful 
interview with my beloved Saviour, when I shall 
see Him as He is, and bend, in adoring rapture, 
before His throne?" Must not the cup of earthly 
bliss taste sweeter to your lips — from the remem- 
brance that even death itself, or the Son of Man 
coming in His glory, will only take it from you, 
for the purpose of putting into your hands the cup 
of unmingled felicity which glorified spirits quaff 
from the fountain of light, and life, and love in 
heaven? 

Yes! I repeat it, let but heaven be once looked 
on and loved as your eternal home — and a Saviours 
righteousness be exclusively and gratefully confided 
in as your only title to its blessedness and glory- 
so that you can feel privileged, on such a ground, 
to anticipate its possession with an unclouded and 
unwavering hope, and, believe me, you will from 
that moment begin to enjoy your journey here 
below. 

When once this world is looked on in its proper 
light, as but the land of the Christian's pilgrimage 
to his heavenly home, and all its enjoyments are 
regarded and participated in with a traveller's eye 
and a traveller's heart, who is still looking and 
longing for his happy home, then indeed, wilder- 
ness a world as it is, "joy and gladness will be 
found therein — thanksgiving, and the voice of me- 
lody.-" Its objects of attractiveness and springs of 
pleasure, when no longer clung to with idolatrous 
attachment or regarded as the supreme sources of 
happiness, will yield that measure of subordinate 
satisfaction which a bountiful Creator designed 
them to afford; while that satisfaction will be un- 
imbittered by the apprehension, which the idolater 
of earth can never entirely allay, that death may in 
a moment tear from the heart all to which it clings, 
with desperate tenacity, for happiness or hope. 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



103 



Whatever is innocently enjoyable of earthly bliss, 
viewed as the comfortable accommodation and 
pleasurable incidents of a journey which is conduct- 
ing the heaven-bound pilgrim to his home beyond 
the skies, where his heart already is and he hopes 
himself ere long to be, will afford a real and sub- 
stantial satisfaction, which the most innocent earth- 
ly enjoyments can never yield when the heart 
cleaves to them with idolatrous affection; and, for- 
getful of that happier world which is the Christian's 
home, is content here to take up its rest, and con- 
centrate all its aspirations and affections, its desires 
and hopes, on the perishable pleasures of this dying 
world. The feeling that his chief happiness is se- 
cure, beyond the reach of death itself to destroy — 
yea! that death, if the Saviour come not first, is the 
very herald that will come to announce to him that 
the period for entering on the possession of the 
fulness of joy in the presence of his God has ar- 
rived, enables the Christian to contemplate every, 
even the most cherished, source of earthly happi- 
ness with a feeling of composure and security, 
which contributes immensely to his increased en- 
joyment of that happiness. It gives him a delight- 
ful conviction, that he can never be a bankrupt in 
true happiness, because the vessel which is freighted 
with his heart's dearest hopes, and most precious 
treasures, can never be wrecked, for it is inviolably 
safe under his covenant God's protecting care, and 
even death can only come " to land it safe on Ca- 
naan's shore." Surely such a conviction must have 
the most powerful influence in promoting the hap- 
piness of the heart in which it abidingly dwells. 

We see then how indispensable it is for the true 
enjoyment of life, that the fear of death should be 
subdued, and the prospect of entering on the eter- 
nal world be anticipated with cheerful hope, if not 
triumphant exultation, as the commencement of a 



104 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

happiness that will never end. Nor must we, in a 
world like this, so full of lamentation, and mourn- 
ing, and wo, forget, in forming our estimate of the 
influence which the religion of the gospel, by dis- 
pelling this fear, and brightening this prospect, 
exercises over the happiness of the heart where it 
is enthroned, that the anticipation of heaven, as the 
happy home to which death will introduce him, 
enables the Christian, not merely to enjoy with a 
sweeter relish every purer source of earthly plea- 
sure, but also to bear with cheerful resignation 
every conceivable burden of earthly grief. The 
very same prospect which enhances joy, softens 
sorrow. The vista view of an opening heaven at 
once brightens every scene of terrestrial bliss, and 
gilds the gloom of all terrestrial wo. If clouds 
gather round the pathway of the traveller to the 
skies — if the smile of earthly love be darkened, 
and the hopes that once gladdened him are shroud- 
ed in the tomb — if health decline, and spirits droop, 
and every spring of earthly enjoyment be dried up, 
still is the Christian pilgrim's fainting spirit cheered 
by that one sweet thought — "My journey here 
may be sorrowful, but it must be short. A few 
more steps in the wilderness, and I shall reach my 
home — my happy heavenly home! A few more 
' tossings on life's troubled sea/ and I shall be safely 
moored in that haven where no storm can disturb 
the spirit's deep and everlasting repose. The 
friends that once brightened my pathway by their 
smile, may be changed in their affection, or torn 
from me by absence or by death; but I shall soon 
see that changeless, deathless Friend, who died for 
me, and whose smile will never, never fade away, 
but brighten with ever-increasing joy an eternity 
of bliss." How must this prospect steal away from 
sorrow almost all its bitterness! And light will 
grief's heaviest burden seem, when its weight is 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



105 



alleviated by the thought, how soon it will be laid 
down by the emancipated spirit, and everlasting 
joy be taken up in its stead, at the gate of heaven. 
Now contrast with this the worldling's wretch- 
edness, when the props on which he has leaned for 
support give way— when the streams of earthly 
enjoyment to him are dried up, and the hopes to 
which he has clung wither and decay. He has no 
bright prospect in the coming futurity to cheer the 
gloom of present grief. No vista view of an open- 
ing heaven charms away his gaze from the scenes 
of surrounding desolation. When the fabric of his 
earthly happiness is in ruins, no voice of mercy tells 
him of a house not made with hands, reserved for 
him in heaven. When the storm of affliction rages, 
threatening to destroy his frail and shattered bark, 
no peaceful haven spreads before his eyes its shel- 
tering arms. No messenger from a Father of mer- 
cies whispers to his soul that yet a little while, and 
He that cometh will come, and then he shall bid 
an everlasting farewell to sorrow; for God himself 
shall wipe away all tears, from his eye, and everlast- 
ing joy shall be upon his head. Death speaks to 
him no language of consolation. Death is to him 
the king of terrors. And, however deep the sur- 
rounding darkness in which his soul is shrouded, 
when he looks forward to the grave, it is with a 
shuddering thrill of horror, from the fearful appre- 
hension, that his spirit will by death be plunged 
into immeasurably deeper gloom, even " the black- 
ness of darkness forever." Oh! who can conceive 
the agony of that man, with whom life has no charm 
and death no comfort — who has lost all in this world 
to which he looked for happiness, and has nothing 
in the world beyond the grave to which he can 
look with hope — who is loath to live, yet afraid to 
die — who is overwhelmed, at the present, with 
the insupportable sorrows of time, and has no an- 
10 



106 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

ticipation connected with the future, except that, 
when the hour of dissolution or the descending Sa- 
viour comes, he will exchange them for the far more 
intolerable sorrows of eternity! 

To dwell longer on this harrowing picture is too 
painful — nor is it necessary, in order to substantiate 
the position with which we set out. For surely we 
have already said enough to prove that since the re- 
ligion of the Gospel, by enabling the Christian to 
triumph over the fear of death, and to cherish a con- 
stant and delightful anticipation of the day of 
Christ's second coming, abidingly exulting in the 
" blessed hope ?? connected with His " glorious" ap- 
pearing,— since, I say, the Gospel, by enabling the 
Christian thus to rejoice in the prospect of eternity, 
enables him to enjoy with increased relish every 
pure source of earthly happiness, and to endure, with 
cheerful resignation, every possible burden of earth- 
ly sorrow; while, on the other hand, the enjoyments 
of the worldling are all imbittered, and his sorrows 
all aggravated, by the fear of death, which poisons 
his every pleasure, and darkens with the gloom of 
despair, and the anticipated horrors of eternal wo, 
his every grief — since these things are so, surely 
our position is triumphantly established, that true 
religion is promotive of the true happiness of man. 



CHAPTER VII. 

THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 



The fourth ground on which I propose to establish 
the claims of the Gospel to be regarded as the pa- 
troness of true happiness, is, that its tendency and 
design are to eradicate all those passions and tempers 



OP TRUE HAPPINESS. 



107 



which are inimical, and to cherish all those which 
are friendly to human happiness. 

That happiness depends more on character than 
circumstances, is a truth, confirmed alike by the tes- 
timony of Scripture and the experience of mankind. 
Take an individual in whose heart the love of God 
is the reigning passion, and whose character is mo- 
delled, in all its features, to a close resemblance to 
the character of God; and place him in what circum- 
stances you please, and still his happiness will be 
secure — unaffected, as to its essential qualities, by any 
change in his outward condition. Immure* him in a 
dungeon — his spirit will still exult in conscious liber- 
ty, because "to bind him is a vain attempt, whom 
God delights in, and in whom He dwells." A Sa- 
viour's smile will turn his prison into a palace, and 
the gloom of its solitude shall be brightened by that 
Saviour's presence, and made vocal with the sounds 
of rejoicing and the songs of praise. At midnight, 
in the prison at Philippi, Paul and Silas sang praises 
unto God. In fact, place the man whose character 
is conformed to the image of the Son of God in what 
condition or circumstances you please, and he will 
carry his happiness along with him, wherever he 
goes, safely lodged within his own bosom, and there 
protected from every external assault by that Al- 
mighty Saviour in whom he trusts. On the other 
hand, surround a character of the opposite stamp — 
one in whom the sinful passions of our fallen nature 
reign with uncontrollable violence — surround such a 
character with whatever materials of earthly enjoy- 
ment you can conceive to be combined together— 
invest him with unlimited power — lavish on him 
immeasurable w 7 ealth — let every avenue to earthly 
pleasure be open to him, and every desire of his heart 
for earthly joy be fully gratified — and still the man 
is a stranger to true happiness. He carries a hell 
within him in the tyranny of sinful passions, and 
from that hell, go where he will, he cannot escape. 



108 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

In full accordance with this sentiment, we find that 
a primary place is assigned in the Gospel scheme, 
(which is a divine system for the restoration of true 
happiness to the human race,) to that renewal in the 
divine image, that conformity to the divine charac- 
ter, in which the very essence of true happiness con- 
sists. It is there as explicitly revealed, that the Son 
of God shrouded the glories of Deity under the veil 
of a human form, for the purpose of exhibiting for 
our imitation all the imitable features of the divine 
character, as for the purpose of offering up, in the 
nature which had sinned, a full, perfect, and all-suffi- 
cient sacrifice for sin. Conformity to His image is 
there unequivocally declared to be as essential, for 
the full salvation of His people, as trust in His atone- 
ment! To walk in His footsteps is as indispensable 
a badge of true discipleship in His professing fol- 
lowers, as to rely on His righteousness. Nor is the 
office of God the Holy Spirit, in renewing the be- 
liever's soul in the divine image, in righteousness and 
true holiness, less essential to the enjoyment of that 
salvation, which the Son of God has purchased for 
His people with his own blood, than is the office of 
that Spirit in convincing him of sin, and leading him 
to repose an undivided dependence on the infinitely 
meritorious sacrifice and obedience of his divine sure- 
ty and Saviour, Jehovah-Jesus. 

Can it for a moment be questioned, that one prin- 
cipal objectiafi for which the character of the Saviour 
is so fully developed in the recorded history of His 
life, is, that His faithful followers may be enabled to 
study it with devout attention; and, by divine grace, 
be so transformed into a resemblance to all its lovely 
features, that they may be indeed "one with Christ/' 
by such an identity with Him, in the spirit of His 
character, and the prevailing desires and purposes 
which distinguish Him, as will make them partakers 
of His happiness in that very point which constitutes 
its essential element, even His perfect holiness? 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



109 



Nor can I here refrain from expressing my con- 
viction, that it is not sufficiently remembered by the 
believer in the meditations of his chamber, or enforced 
by the minister in the addresses from the pulpit, that 
in the character of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have 
the character of the blessed God exhibited to our 
view, under the most attractive and endearing aspect. 
There we behold every divine perfection, if one may 
be allowed the expression, humanized — their splen- 
dour shining, with a sweet and shaded lustre, through 
the mystic veil of a human form! There we behold 
the boundless benevolence of the Deity (which, when 
viewed as administering to the happiness of all created 
existences throughout the universe, overwhelms our 
weak vision) brought within the reach of our grasp, 
by being displayed before us in the unwearied be- 
nevolence of a self-denying Philanthropist, found in 
fashion like unto ourselves, as a man who went about 
continually doing good to the souls and bodies of all 
the children of sorrow that came within His reach! 
Thererwe behold the essential holiness of the Deity, 
before whose excessive brightness cherubim and se- 
raphim veil their dazzled eyes, presented to us as an 
object on which we can gaze with undazzled though 
delighted gaze, in the unspotted purity of the man 
Christ Jesus, who w r as "holy, harmless, undefiled, and 
separate from sinners!" 

There w T e behold the compassion of the Godhead 
in the tears of Jesus beside the tomb of Lazarus; 
or in those He shed when He beheld the city that 
He loved, His own Jerusalem — and, as He thought 
of its approaching destruction, wept over it! There 
we behold the long-suffering patience of the God- 
head, in the tender forbearance with which the com- 
passionate Saviour pitied and endured the wayward- 
ness, the ingratitude, the desertion of His beloved 
disciples; and there, too, not to go further into the 
detail, we hear the forgiveness of that God "who de- 
10* 



110 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

lighteth in mercy, and taketh no pleasure in the death 
of the sinner," but rather rejoiceth in pardoning the 
penitent; we hear it most affectingly expressed in 
that most touching prayer, breathed forth from the 
lips of the expiring Saviour, on behalf of His mur- 
derers — "Father, forgive them! for they know not 
what they do!" 

Now when we consider how indispensably neces- 
sary, for the attainment of true happiness, is a con- 
formity to the character of God, (for without it hea- 
ven itself could not render an archangel happy; and 
opposition to it is the image of Satan, the element of 
hell!) is it not a cause of the deepest gratitude, that 
we have this adorable character exhibited before us 
in the Lord Jesus Christ — -in the person, that is, of 
our best, our dearest Friend, under circumstances the 
most powerful^ calculated to endear it to our hearts, 
and to attract towards it our warmest feelings of re- 
verential admiration and adoring love? Oh! do we 
reflect at all as we ought on the stupendous fact, that 
the Almighty once walked this earth of ours under 
the form of a man like ourselves, and has embodied, 
in the words He spake, the feelings He displayed, 
and the actions He performed, during His sojourn 
among the dwellers of mortality, those qualities of 
character, those tempers and dispositions, which are 
indispensably required to capacitate us for enjoying 
the happiness of heaven? Surely the consideration, 
that in studying the history of our adorable Redeemer, 
we are watching the development of the character of 
"God manifest in the flesh," ought to attract us, with 
irresistible influence, to the study of this history, and 
the contemplation of this character ! We should 
hang with delighted interest on every the minutest 
movement of a life so infinitely endeared to us by 
the manifestation of marvellous love to our guilty 
race. We should gaze with the most intense admi- 
ration on every the minutest development of a cha- 
racter by conformity with which we can alone be 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. HI 

made like to God, and meet for heaven; and above 
all, under an overwhelming sense of our own weak- 
ness and worthlessness, we should pray most fer- 
vently that the Holy Spirit would, by His divine 
power, mould our characters into the closest resem- 
blance to that only perfect pattern of all excellence, 
in which the glory of the Godhead shines through a 
veil of flesh. 

But while we thus advert, in the general, to the 
character of Christ as the character of God, for the 
purpose of substantiating our position, that the reli- 
gion of the Gospel, by producing conformity to this 
character, promotes our true happiness, it may be de- 
sirable, somewhat more in detail, to show, that by 
conformity to each particular feature of this divine 
character our happiness is advanced; as this is tanta- 
mount to proving our fourth argument, namely, that 
the Gospel eradicates such tempers and dispositions 
as are inimical, and cherishes such as are friendly, to 
human happiness. 

How fully is this view established by the beati- 
tudes pronounced by our Lord in His sermon on 
the mount, which incontestably prove, that those who 
are truly religious are alone truly happy, by the ver- 
dict of the only infallible judge of true happiness! 
These beatitudes will indeed be regarded as alto- 
gether decisive testimony on this subject, if we con- 
sider more attentively the person by whom, and the 
circumstances under which they were proclaimed. 

They are, as touching the nature of true happiness, 
the testimony of Him who is Himself the source and 
centre of all happiness, and therefore cannot be mis- 
taken on this point. 

Blessed assuredly are those whom He, who is the 
fountain of all blessedness, pronounces to be such! 
We have therefore in these beatitudes the recorded 
judgment, as to what constitutes true felicity, of the 
ever-blessed God. Should not this be deemed suf- 
ficient to decide the question ? 



112 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

But further, the testimony was given at a time 
which stamps on it peculiar value — when our blessed 
Lord was just commencing His ministry of mercy in 
the world, for whose redemption He had left His 
own bright dwelling-place of ineffable glory and bliss. 

Pronounced at such a time, by the Divine Philan- 
thropist who had visited our earth on a mission of 
redeeming love, how impressively does our gracious 
Redeemer, in those beatitudes, cry out to the chil- 
dren of men — Hearken unto Me, all ye who are 
searching after happiness, and I will show you where- 
in alone it consists! Yea! come unto Me, and I will 
point out to you the only path ! I know the erro- 
neous opinions you have formed on this subject; I 
know the undue value you attach to earthly objects, 
to power, and grandeur, and gaiety, and wealth; 
happy, you think, are the children of prosperity, 
who have an abundance of this world's goods, as they 
are falsely called, and can therefore command all the 
resources of earthly enjoyment; but trust One who 
loves you better than you love yourselves — One who 
has come down from His glory expressly to make the 
children of men happy — One who will not deceive 
you, and who cannot be Himself deceived. It is not 
the powerful, or the rich, or the gay, or the prosper- 
ous, that are truly happy. No: "Blessed, I say, are 
the poor in spirit — Blessed are the pure in heart — 
Blessed are the meek, the merciful, the peace-makers! 
Blessed are they that mourn — they that hunger and 
thirst after righteousness!" 

Mark! the poor in spirit, not the proud! — the 
pure in heart, not the voluptuary ! — the meek and 
merciful, not the overbearing and resentful! — the 
makers, not the disturbers of peace — they that mourn 
with godly sorrow, not they that revel in godless 
gaiety ! — they that hunger and thirst, not after riches, 
but righteousness — not after the applause of man, 
but the favour of God — not after the intoxicating 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 113 

pleasures of earth, but after the holy happiness of 
heaven ! 

Oh! does not this language of our Divine Re- 
deemer, testifying that happiness is a thing of cha- 
racter, not of circumstances, appeal with irresistible 
conviction to our hearts, when we reflect, that He 
who uttered it, and who cannot be mistaken in His 
judgment, has given us such an affecting proof of His 
unbounded love, and intense solicitude for our hap- 
piness, by laying down His life for us on the cross? 
— Could even He, almighty as He is, have given us 
a stronger proof of His love, His desire for our hap- 
piness? Let us then read the opening of the Sermon 
on the mount by the light cast on it from the cross 
of Calvary, and surely we must feel convinced, that 
if ever we would attain to real happiness, we must 
seek for it at the foot of the Saviour's cross, as par- 
doned and accepted through His blood, in the acqui- 
sition of those tempers and dispositions which the 
Saviour has so emphatically declared to be indissolu- 
bly linked with substantial blessedness. 

We must, also, be earnest and fervent in prayer, 
that the Holy Spirit — who alone can — would implant 
them in our hearts; and work in us, by His almighty 
power, that inward conformity to our Redeemer's 
image, by which alone we can be made partakers of 
the happiness of those whom He calls blessed. 

I would, therefore, now proceed, according to our 
proposed plan, to examine, more in detail, several of 
the lovelier features of this divine character, con- 
trasted with their opposites, for the purpose of 
proving, that in conformity to those features true hap- 
piness essentially consists. Let us contrast, for this 
purpose, (in the first instance,) humility and pride; 
and see how immensely the scale preponderates in 
favour of the former over the latter, when they are 
viewed in reference to their respective influences on 
the happiness of those hearts in which they preside. 



114 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

That humility was a prominent feature in the Sa- 
viour's character, is too obvious to require any argu- 
ment to prove. The inconceivable condescension 
manifested by Him, who though He was from all 
eternity "in the form of God, and thought it no rob- 
bery to be equal with God, yet took on Him the 
form of a servant, and being found in fashion as a 
man, humbled Himself, and became obedient unto 
death, even the death of the cross;" the lowly rank 
of life which He assumed when He tabernacled in 
the flesh; the threefold beatitude — "Blessed are the 
poor in spirit, blessed are they that ?nourn, blessed 
are the meek;" the selection of this quality from 
amongst all which adorned His character, for the pe- 
culiar study and imitation of His disciples, so im- 
pressively enforced on our attention by those affecting 
words, "Learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly of 
heart;" the diversified manner in which He incul- 
cated the cultivation of this loveliest of the Christian 
graces, by placing a little child before His followers 
as the objeet of their imitation, and assuring them, 
that unless they became like little children, they could 
not be His disciples — by the beautiful parable of the 
Pharisee and the Publican — by the express declara- 
tion, "He that exalteth himself shall be abased, but 
he that humbleth himself shall be exalted" — and, 
above all, by His own example, in every act of His 
life, and more especially, in washing His disciples' 
feet for the very purpose of leaving to His people an 
example of humility, that they should in this, as 
every other exhibition of His character, follow His 
steps; — all these prove how pre-eminently solicitous 
the Saviour was, that His faithful followers should 
be "clothed with humility "—-that garment of the 
soul which is beautiful even in the eyes of God. 

And what abundant provision is made by the very 
constitution of the Gospel scheme to implant this love- 
liest of all the Christian graces in the human heart! 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 115 

The conviction, that, as sinners, we are deserving of 
the everlasting wrath of an offended God, whose un- 
bounded loving-kindness we have requited with the 
basest ingratitude — that so deep was the dye of our 
guilt, it could be expiated by no atonement less costly 
than the sacrifice of God's co-equal Son — washed 
out in no fountain less precious than His blood; the 
assurance, that, if accepted at all, it must be as be- 
ing clothed in the Redeemer's righteousness, not. our 
own, and entitled to an inheritance in heaven ex- 
clusively on the ground of His meritorious obedience 
unto death; the consciousness, if we are united to the 
Saviour by a living faith, that, though the Holy Spirit 
has vouchsafed, in His infinite condescension, to take 
up His abode in our heart, and there established the 
hatred of sin, and the love of holiness, still the sin 
we hate, however dethroned, is not destroyed, and 
the holiness we love, however perseveringly pursued, 
is not perfectly attained; the cleaving of defilement 
to our souls amidst all our watchfulness and prayers, 
and the sense of deficiency in the discharge of every 
duty, however faithfully or zealously we may strive 
to perform them; the little progress made, after years 
of experimental acquaintance with His preciousness, 
in conformity to the Saviour's character, or in meet- 
ness for heaven; — all this is assuredly most power- 
fully calculated to keep the child of God continually 
in an attitude of humility, always prepared to cast 
his blood-bought crown, in self-renouncing lowliness 
of heart, at the foot of his beloved Redeemer's throne. 
But how, it may be said, does humility tend to 
promote happiness? Directly, by promoting grati- 
tude to God, which is the source and sweetener of 
all true happiness. In truth, the theory of human 
happiness may be briefly stated thus: — True happi- 
ness is always proportioned to the measure of our 
cordial life-influencing gratitude to God, and this is 
always proportioned to the depth of our humility in 



116 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

His sight. In other words, in proportion as we are 
truly grateful to God, we are truly happy; and we 
are thus grateful in proportion as we are humble. 
Why is this? Because an humble spirit, profoundly 
penetrated with a sense of its own unworthiness, is 
kept in a state of delighted amazement at the un- 
bounded long-suffering and loving-kindness of God. 
When a Christian, deeply imbued with such a spirit, 
contrasts what he has received with what he has de- 
served; when he contrasts what, as a believer, he is 
privileged to expect, with what, as a sinner, he was 
warranted to anticipate, as his eternal inheritance — 
that is, when he contrasts heaven and all its glory, 
"the fulness of joy in Gou's presence, and the plea- 
sures at His right hand for evermore," with hell and 
all its torments, "the worm that dieth not, and the 
fire that shall never be quenched," he is so astonished 
at the unmerited goodness of his God, that his heart 
continually overflows with gratitude, and he finds by 
his sweet experience, that a thankful heart is a con- 
tinual feast. This frame of mind disposes him to 
receive the smallest mercies with the most fervent 
thankfulness, and the severest trials with the most 
cheerful resignation; and thus adds immeasurably to 
the sweetness of the one, and takes away almost all 
their bitterness from the other. That his blessings 
should be so numberless, when he has not merely 
not merited any, but has merited only the heaviest 
curses at the hand of God; and that his trials should 
be so light, compared with the eternal weight of wo 
he has deserved, is to him a cause of unfailing thank- 
fulness, and this thankfulness is a spring of as unfail- 
ing joy. It sheds a gleam of golden light over all his 
pathway through the wilderness, brightening every 
scene of gladness or of grief through which he has 
to pass. It pours a divine elixir into the cup of life, 
that not merely gives a richer flavour to ail its joys, 
but sweetens all its sorrows too. It teaches the in- 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 117 

valuable secret of extracting sources of enjoyment, 
and materials for praise, out of every dispensation of 
God's fatherly hand. It is the true philosopher's 
stone, which turns whatever it touches into gold., A 
thankful spirit (and a really humble, is always a 
thankful spirit) is gifted with a miraculous power of 
extracting honey out of poison, good out of evil, 
happiness out of wo. The daily mercies of preserva- 
tion and providence, which so many receive without 
one emotion of gratitude, or one thrill of gladness, 
pour into a thankful heart an unceasing tide of pure 
pleasure, from which continually ascends before the 
throne of God the hymn of grateful praise. 

Can it be then a matter of doubtful speculation, 
whether, or how, the spirit of humility promotes true 
happiness, when it thus opens, and keeps ever flow- 
ing, in the human heart, that spring of gratitude to 
God which is the source of all real felicity on earth 
or in heaven? — when it thus invests all the blessings 
of creative goodness, providential bounty, and re- 
deeming love, with such inestimable preciousness and 
sweetness, making them all minister so abundantly 
to the happiness of the heart where it dwells? And 
if the religion of the Gospel were to rest its claims 
to the character of the patroness of true happiness, 
exclusively on the ground of thus implanting and 
cherishing in the human heart humility, that precious 
seed of heavenly origin, which bears, as w 7 e have seen, 
such heavenly fruit, who could deny its claims when 
thus authenticated by the abiding gladness of spirit, 
and the continual songs of praise, with which it in- 
spires the humble thankful child of God ! 

But (independently of its influence in imparting a 
contented frame of mind, which we shall hereafter 
consider — and contentment is the very essence, the 
infallible specific for true felicity) there is another 
way in which humility tends to promote happiness, 
by leading its possessor to receive with forbearance 
11 



■I 



118 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

and meekness the manifold provocations and annoy- 
ances, which are continually occurring; in our inter- 
course with our fellow-men: and which so gall and 
irritate the spirit of a proud man, keeping it in a 
state of constant disquietude and mortification. The 
really humble spirit, always remembering its own 
un worthiness, and regarding whatever trials, in the 
shape of unjust or unkind treatment, may be in- 
flicted by the hand of man, as coming, in the way of 
fatherly correction, from the hand of God, is pre- 
pared to meet them with a patience and composure 
which extract from them almost all their sting, and 
well nigh entirely deprive them of their power to 
give pain. The very same behaviour, which almost 
provokes to madness a proud spirit, will only excite 
the pity, without ruffling the peace, of an humble 
one. The proud man, like the towering tree, con- 
fronts the tempest; and if not overthrown by it, is 
yet convulsed through his whole agitated frame. 
The humble man, like the lowly shrub, bends before 
the blast, and the storm passes over him, almost with- 
out discomposing the serenity of his soul. Oh ! there 
is a deep, a holy calm diffused throughout the soul 
where the spirit of true humility has fixed its abode! 
The ungenerous insinuation, the unjust reproach, the 
bitter sarcasm, the contemptuous sneer — (and who 
can hope to escape from these?) — all, all are ineffec- 
tual to disturb the peace of such a soul, for humility 
prompts the tranquillizing recollection, that however, 
in one sense, they may be unmerited at the hands of 
man, infinitely more of reproach and condemnation 
has been deserved at the hands of God; and viewing 
the bitter draught as presented by His hand, the 
humble Christian meekly receives it with a submis- 
sive smile, exclaiming, in a spirit of cheerful resigna- 
tion to His will, "The cup which my Father hath 
given me, shall I not drink it?" 

Now, when we consider how much our happiness 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS, 119 

depends en its resources being placed out of the reach 
of those petty vexations, and irritating trials of tem- 
per, which are so continually assaulting us, if not in 
our domestic, yet at least in our social intercourse, we 
may be convinced how materially humility lends to 
the promotion of our happiness, by supplying us with 
such an effectual antidote for the poison with which 
the injustice and unkindness of our fellow-men would 
otherwise imbitter all our enjoyments. And it tends 
still further to this result, by imparting to every little 
act of kindness, or token of affection, which we re- 
ceive from others, a brighter colouring, and a sweeter 
flavour. The numberless little offices of affectionate 
attention to our wants or wishes, which friends or 
the members of our family circle may perform, and 
which are all received coldly and thanklessly, as 
matters of right, by a man of a proud spirit, and so 
excite no pleasurable emotions in his breast, — these 
are all appreciated at their full value, as manifesta- 
tions of disinterested love, and enjoyed as such with 
a sweet and grateful relish, by. the man who has 
learned of the Saviour to be "meek and lowl}^ of 
heart." Like the rich soft soil, on which there falls 
not a single drop of refreshing rain that does not pro- 
duce a grateful return, in its increased fertility, the 
humble spirit receives with thankfulness and joy the 
smallest favour that affection can bestow — nor is a 
single drop of disinterested kindness ever poured on 
such a spirit in vain; while the proud spirit, like the 
cold, hard, barren, rock, will receive the richest 
showers of kindness that affection can pour out with- 
out the slightest return of grateful or of gladdening 
emotion — but remains, after they have all descended 
upon it, as cold, and hard, and barren as before. Which 
.spirit, need we ask, is the happier of the two? 

Nor should we overlook, in thus contrasting the 
effects of humility and pride, as connected with hu- 
man happiness, that while the former, as we have 



120 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

seen, tends to promote it, by promoting gratitude to 
God for the smallest mercies, and cheerful submis- 
sion under the greatest afflictions, the latter is di- 
rectly destructive of it, inasmuch as it deprives God's 
choicest gifts of their sweetest influences, and adds 
ten thousand-fold aggravated bitterness to every af- 
flictive dispensation. The proud man is never thank- 
ful. Let a bountiful God heap on him what bene- 
fits He may, they kindle in his breast no spark of 
grateful love to the Giver of all good; and thus is 
he deprived of one of the sweetest sources of happi- 
ness to the human heart. In the self-sufficiency of 
his arrogance, he esteems the most abundant mea- 
sure of earthly prosperity as only his just desert; 
and, like the haughty monarch of old, when con- 
templating the fabric of earthly greatness to which 
the providence of God has raised him, exclaims, in 
the pride of his heart, " Is not this great Babylon, 
that I have built by the might of my power, and for 
the honour of my majesty?" 

Now, can it require any process of argument to 
prove, that when a worm of the dust is thus inflated 
with impious arrogance, he is essentially incapaci- 
tated for the enjoyment of true happiness? He is 
then exhibiting, in frightful development, the most 
revolting features of the image of Satan— he is then 
actuated by the very spirit which (we have reason 
to believe) prompted this apostate angel to rebel 
against God, and expelled him out of heaven — he is 
then breathing the very atmosphere of hell, for there 
pride reigns in full and uncontrolled ascendency. 
Can such a man be happy? And if even, while pos- 
sessed of the fullest measure of earthly prosperity, 
there is that within the bosom of the proud man 
which, in the very nature of things, necessarily un- 
fits him for the enjoyment of true felicity, oh! when 
affliction, in some of its desolating shapes, falls upon 
him, how intensely aggravated, how utterly uncom- 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 121 

forted, is the anguish that, like a consuming worm, 
incessantly preys upon his soul! Pride mingles the 
most envenomed poison in his cup of trial. He feels 
towards the blessed God, whom he regards as the 
cruel author of his misery, all the malignant rage of 
impotent resentment. Not convinced, or confessing, 
that he is chastened far less than his transgressions 
have deserved, his haughty spirit is irritated and 
imbittered by the galling reflection, that he is un- 
justly oppressed and afflicted by a hand which he 
hates, and yet cannot escape from or resist; and whose 
every infliction he looks on as the vindictive stroke 
of tyrannical power, not the gentle correction of fa- 
therly love. Thus while the humble believer, under 
the pressure of affliction, like the lamb before her 
shearers, is dumb, and openeth not his mouth, and, 
by this meek submission to a Father's chastening 
hand, experiences such comfort in the midst of tri- 
als, as enables him even to "rejoice in tribulation," 
the proud man, like a baited wild bull, galled and 
agonized by the blows which assault him on every 
side, chafes and frets in impotent fury, and is irritated 
even to madness by every wound that pierces his 
tortured frame. 

And while the afflictive dispensations which come 
from the hand of God, thus irritate and torture the 
proud spirit that has not learned to bow, with meek 
submissive resignation, to His chastening hand, such 
a spirit is continually fretted and disquieted by the 
real or fancied injuries and insults which it meets 
with at the hands of man. The proud man is ex- 
posed to incessant mortification, inasmuch as he is 
incessantly looking for such homage as his fellow 
men are little disposed to pay; and thus is he per- 
petually experiencing the bitterest disappointment, 
because he construes every unintentional slight into 
a studied affront; and scarcely ever is treated with 
the measure of respect which he fancies himself en- 
11* 



122 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

titled to receive. Now when we contrast such a 
state of mind with that which we have before shown 
to be the abiding state of an humble spirit, can we 
for a moment doubt which of the two is the most 
favourable for the promotion of true happiness in 
the human heart? 

And should not this conviction of the happy in- 
fluence of true humility constrain us, if we may in- 
deed hope that the Holy Spirit has already planted 
in our hearts this loveliest of the Christian graces, 
to cherish it with the tenderest care; and to implore 
this blessed Spirit to deepen it, and make it more 
influential every day? Should we not anxiously 
watch, and pray, and strive against the first risings 
of pride — above all, spiritual pride? Should we not 
be ever ready to strangle the serpent the moment it 
lifts its hydra-head, lest it pour the venom of its 
poison into our soul, and there blight all our spi- 
ritual graces, and imbitter all our spiritual joys? 
Should we not keep the sense of our manifold of- 
fences, our continual short-comings, our deep un- 
worthiness, continually before our view? By abi- 
dingly maintaining our station at the foot of the 
cross — by contrasting the mercies we have received 
with the returns we have made — what God has done 
for our happiness with what we have done for his 
glory — by bringing our character into the light of 
the Saviour's, and beholding in that pure light our 
defilements and deficiencies — by weighing our dis- 
charge of every duty in the balance of the sanctuary, 
and examining, by the standard of God's word, the 
use we have made of the talents intrusted to our 
charge — by remembering on what tenure we hold 
our hopes of heaven, even the merits of Him who 
alone is worthy; and what is the only acceptable 
wedding garment in which to appear at the marriage 
supper of the Lamb, even the robe of His righteous- 
ness — by thus cultivating this excellent grace of hu- 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 123 

mility, and especially by looking to, and leaning 
upon, and beseeching of, the Holy Spirit to promote 
its growth, we may hope to enjoy and exhibit more 
and more of the sweet and attractive influences of 
this loveliest ornament of the Christian character, 
which brings such a bright assemblage of graces and 
blessings in its train. Thus shall we be habitually 
prepared, with all the ransomed of the Lord, when 
He shall come in the day of His glorious appearing, 
to bend in lowly adoration at our Redeemer's feet 
— to cast our crown, in profound humility, before 
His throne — crying out from the depths of an hum- 
ble and therefore a grateful heart, " Thou art worthy 
— for Thou hast redeemed me unto God by Thy 
blood! Thou art worthy — for Thou hast clothed 
me with Thy righteousness! Thou art worthy — 
for Thou hast sanctified me by Thy grace! Worthy 
indeed of everlasting love, adoration, and praise! 
For all I am, all I have, all I shall throughout eter- 
nity enjoy, I owe to Thee." 



CHAPTER VIII. 



THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 

Let us now contrast the influence of covetousness 
and ambition with that of contentment on human 
happiness, and assuredly we shall here also find the 
scale to preponderate in favour of true religion. 
The man who cherishes an inordinate desire of 
wealth or power, never can enjoy true peace of 
mind. Like the poor victim of dropsical disease, 
he is tormented with an insatiable thirst, which in- 
creased draughts of earthly prosperity, (even if he 
is successful in its pursuit,) so far from quenching, 



124 



THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 



only inflame. No matter what accumulation of 
riches the miser may have amassed, or what height 
of elevation the ambitious man may have attained, 
they are still dissatisfied, still thirsting for more, 
still grasping at more — like the restless Macedonian 
monarch, who, after having conquered what was 
then called the world, wept that he had no more 
worlds to conquer. Besides, just consider, with 
such characters, what a train of malignant and mise- 
rable passions always attends their career. Envy, 
pining at the sight of a more successful competitor's 
triumph, and hating him for having snatched from its 
grasp the coveted prize; jealousy, watching with 
malevolent gaze, every candidate for the contested 
post of honour, and sickening at the very thought 
of their success; the agonizing fear of disappoint- 
ment, which keeps the feverish spirit in a state of 
incessant disquietude, so that, u like the troubled 
sea, it cannot rest;" and, in what a multitude of in- 
stances, the chilling blight of disappointment itself, 
withering all the fondly cherished hopes of earthly 
advancement, and breathing over the spirit the 
death-like desolation of despair! But even sup- 
pose the career of covetousness or ambition to be as 
successful as their most enthusiastic votaries could 
desire, still how unsatisfying is the enjoyment which 
the most triumphant success can impart! How 
uniformly is the heart disappointed in, even if the 
possessor has not been disappointed of, the object 
of his idolatrous pursuit! What a mere trifle can 
mar all his happiness, and mingle bitterness with 
the intoxicating cup that prosperity has filled to the 
brim! Look at Haman ! He had attained the sum- 
mit of his ambitious aspirings. The prime favour- 
ite of the mightiest monarch of his age — the man 
whom the king delighted to honour — must not he be 
perfectly happy, if earthly pomp and power can 
confer such happiness ? Assuredly. Well, then, 



r i 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 125 

listen to his exclamation, while reviewing and re- 
peating to his family all the proofs of his sovereign's 
favour, all the honours that had been heaped upon 
him, all the glory of his riches, and how the king 
had advanced him above the princes — and how the 
queen did let no man come in with the king unto 
the banquet that she had prepared except himself — 
just listen to his exclamation in the very moment 
of his proudest triumph ! Hear him exclaiming, 
" All this availeth me nothing, so long as I see " — 
what ? some rival, almost as highly honoured as 
himself? — no ! no — but " so long as I see Mordecai 
the Jew, sitting at the king's gate 7" Oh the utter 
impotency of all that earthly ambition can grasp to 
satisfy the human heart, when a poor man, sitting 
at the king's gate, can poison all the happiness 
which that king's favour, lavishing the most munifi- 
cent proof of its affection, can bestow ! What ! Is 
the proud Haman's happiness, in the very plenitude 
of his power, at the very moment when all his am- 
bitious aspirings have been realized, at the mercy of 
a Mordecai ? — Yes! and there is always some Mor- 
decai to imbitter every Haman's happiness. There 
is always some unsatisfied desire — some (it may be 
despised) object, that will not do homage to the 
proud man, and by that refusal compels him, amidst 
all his grandeur, to complain in the bitterness of his 
soul, while looking with a discontented eye on all 
he has attained, Jill this availeth me nothing, so 
long as that one ungratified desire tortures my 
wounded spirit, and disappointment pours its en- 
venomed poison into my heart ! 

And look into the heart of Hainan at the moment 
he uttered this exclamation, and say, if happiness 
had taken up its abode there? What is the passion 
rankling in his bosom, and turning his tortured spi- 
rit into an inward hell ? Hatred, diabolical hatred 
— prompting the murder of the unoffending object 



■i 



126 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

of his resentful rage ! Is not one glance into that 
heart enough to prove, that ambition, even in its 
most successful career, is not the path that leads to 
true and satisfying happiness, linked as it is with 
those diabolical passions which infuse into the hu- 
man heart the virulence and the venom of the ma- 
lignity and misery of hell? ' 

Look again at Solomon ! Was ever the experi- 
ment to find happiness in all that earth can boast, 
made on so magnificent a scale as by him? Raised 
to the pinnacle of earthly grandeur — swaying the 
sceptre of the land which was the peculiar object of 
Jehovah's favour — the fame of his wisdom spread 
overthe earth— possessed of unbounded wealth, there 
was no cup of earthly enjoyment which he did not 
drain to the dregs — no scheme of earthly happiness 
which the heart can desire, or the imagination con- 
ceive, that he did not pursue on the most splendid 
scale. And what was the result? He has left it on 
record, for our warning, emblazonsd in characters 
so clear that he who runs may read — imbodied in 
a sentence so impressive as to speak with affecting 
solemnity to the heart — "All is vanity and vexa- 
tion of spirit!" Vanity and vexation of spirit! — ■ 
Was this the result of Solomon 9 s experiment in the 
pursuit of human happiness? And can any votary 
of the world hope to be more successful now? 
Who can anticipate a triumph in such a career, 
when Solomon, the wisest, the mightiest of mo- 
narchs,so miserably failed ? Alas ! how emphatically 
are we "fools, and slow of heart to believe" what 
the word of. God has recorded for our admonition! 
How desperately are we resolved, unchecked by its 
warning voice, to make the trial for ourselves, and 
seek for satisfying happiness where the oracles of 
God and the experience of mankind combine their 
testimony to assure us that it never can be found! 
Who is deterred^ by Solomon's mournful testimony, 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 127 

from trying to reap contentment in the very field 
where he reaped only vanity and vexation? Who 
is restrained from coveting riches by the solemn — 
yea! the tremendous sentence that was uttered by 
the lips of eternal truth — "How hardly shall they 
that have riches enter into the kingdom of heaven ?" 
Who is satisfied with a lowly lot in life, persuaded 
that the meek, as to all its most precious treasures 
of enjoyment, " shall inherit the earth ?" Yet so it 
is! The secret of true happiness is a contented 
spirit; and it is only the meek and lowly Christian 
that can with truth adopt the apostolical declaration 
— " I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, there- 
with to be content!' 7 Convinced that the arrange- 
ment of every event in which his real welfare is 
concerned, is in his heavenly Father's hands, he is 
enabled to keep his soul in perfect peace amidst the 
fluctuations of outward affairs, from the assurance, 
that under the guidance and control of his covenant 
God, they must all, however diversified in aspect, 
be similar in result, as they must all work together 
eventually and eternally for his good. 

This assurance spreads over the soul a holy calm, 
that tranquillizes every tumultuous agitation; and 
breathes into the deepest recesses of the heart that 
peace which passeth all understanding. Knowing 
also, that rank and riches are utterly incompetent 
in themselves to supply solid satisfaction to the soul, 
and that, viewing them in the scriptural light of 
talents intrusted to the Christian, as a steward, to 
be employed for his divine Master's glory, he only 
incurs, by an increased measure of them, a propor- 
tionable increase of awful responsibility, he feels no 
intense anxiety to be burdened with a heavier load 
of accountableness than his divine Master sees fit to 
lay upon him. This view moderates his solicitude 
about the acquisition of a greater measure of wealth 
or power than he at present enjoys — because, al- 



128 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

though willing cheerfully to bear any burden, how- 
ever heavy, which his beloved Lord is pleased to 
impose on him, and to engage in any sphere of duty, 
however arduous, which He providentially appoints, 
still is he quite content if his Master shall see fit to 
arrange, in His infinite wisdom and love, that the 
burden of responsibility shall be comparatively 
light, the sphere of labour comparatively humble, 
that so he may be mercifully spared much of the 
anxiety and apprehension which are the inseparable 
attendants on heavier burdens, and more exalted 
spheres. 

Thus cured of inordinate desires for the objects 
which this world idolizes, by a conviction of their 
intrinsic worthlessness, and utter insufficiency as 
sources of satisfying enjoyment — freed from the 
distracting hopes and fears which always accompany 
the career of covetousness and ambition, and rob 
their votaries of solid and substantial peace — con- 
tent with the measures of earthly good which He, 
who so loved him as to give Himself for him, has 
allotted as his portion — and assured, that if a larger 
measure will be more conducive to his best inte- 
rests, his real happiness, it will not be withheld, 
the true Christian enjoys his present allotment with 
a relish which nothing but gratitude to God can 
impart; and while diligently using every lawful 
effort for advancement, leaves the result, confidingly 
and cheerfully in the hands of his Saviour and his 
God. 

Are not these considerations sufficient to prove 
that the religion of the gospel, by moderating the 
desire for rank and riches, restraining the indulgence 
of a covetous or ambitious spirit, and inculcating 
the lesson of cheerful contentment for the present, 
and cheerful confidingness for the future, exercises 
a most favourable influence on the happiness of its 
sincere followers, and tends to keep their souls 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 129 

abidingly in perfect peace? And it is obvious how 
much this peaceful frame of mind will be at once, 
with the believer, recommended and preserved by 
the reflection, that, in thus maintaining a spirit, of 
moderation and contentment, he is conformed to 
the image, and treading in the footsteps, of his be- 
loved Master and Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. 
The sight of the manger where He was cradled, 
and the cross on which He expired — the humble 
station of life which He voluntarily assumed — "Is 
not this the carpenter?" — the deep poverty to 
which He submitted; for "the foxes have holes, 
and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of 
man had not where to lay his head " — all this has 
invested, in a believer's estimation, an humble rank 
of life with such respect, and poured such contempt 
on all earthly greatness and glory, that he is quite 
reconciled to comparative obscurity and poverty, 
should such be his appointed portion, since thus his 
condition in life is but brought to a greater resem- 
blance to his beloved Master's, and by being more 
closely assimilated to His circumstances, he 'may 
become, by divine grace, more closely assimilated 
to His character too. And thus it is, that by de- 
livering the Christian from the dominion of those 
passions which, in every age of the world, have 
been the sources of so much misery, and conform- 
ing his character to the Saviour's, in that spirit of 
unambitious contentment which is the best preser- 
vative of peace in the human heart, Christianity has 
done more for the true happiness of its votaries, 
than can be adequately conceived by any but those 
who have herein felt its blessed influences, distilling 
the balm of heaven's own peace on the soul of man. 
And if ever the Christian should be tempted to 
complain of the lowliness of his lot, how soon will 
the temptation be vanquished, and the spirit of 
cheerful contentment re-assume its empire in his 
J2 



■MBMMB 



130 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

breast, when he earnestly implores the Holy Spirit 
to re-establish his peaceful dominion there, by 
leading him to look back on the deep humiliation, 
the lowly lot to which his beloved Saviour sub- 
mitted for his sake — to look up to that Saviour, 
seated at the right hand of the Father, watching 
him with the tenderest affection, and arranging all 
the events of his life, with the most gracious adap- 
tation to his peculiar character and circumstances, 
for the promotion of his everlasting welfare — and 
to look forward to the day of His appearance— 
that day which ought to be cherished with feelings 
of devout desire, and joyful anticipation in the be- 
liever's abiding recollection — that day, to him of 
inconceivable triumph, when the Lord he loves 
shall come to be glorified in His saints, and he, who 
deserved eternal wrath, shall be .made a partaker of 
His glory, invested with a crown of light, and an 
inheritance of everlasting blessedness, even the ful- 
ness of joy in the presence of God, and at His right 
hand pleasures for evermore! 



CHAPTER IX. 

THE. CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 

Let us now contrast a resentful with a forgiving 
spirit, and we shall see how much Christianity, by 
eradicating the former, and cherishing the latter, con- 
tributes to the happiness of her faithful disciples. 

Among the passions which disturb the peace of the 
human heart, and fill it with such inward torture as 
none but those who have experienced its indescri- 
bable agony can comprehend, there is not one which 
exercises a more baneful influence than the passion of 
revenge, 



I J 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS, 131 

It may indeed, be said to light up within the soul 
the fire of hell — a fire which, once it is kindled, if 
not allayed by the power of Christian love, rages 
unquenchably, and consumes the very vitals of enjoy- 
ment in the bosom where it burns. It is of the very 
essence of the character of Satan, and bears the brand 
of his accursed image, impressed with all the diabo- 
lical features of fiendish malignity upon the soul. The 
wretched victim of this hateful passion can never 
know one moment's peace of mind. The insult he 
has received rankles, like a barbed arrow, in his 
bleeding heart, and diffuses its envenomed poison 
there. Brooding incessantly over the affront, and 
the schemes of revenge by which it is to be expiated, 
his wdiole soul becomes so absorbed in the visions 
which the demon of hatred has conjured up, that he 
cannot derive even a momentary solace from the ma- 
nifold sources of enjoyment by which he is encom- 
passed. The figure of the object of his hatred haunts 
him like a spectre. Go where he will, it seems to 
follow his steps, repeating the insult which first pro- 
voked his vengeful indignation. It haunts him in 
the midst of all his pleasures and pursuits— in soli- 
tude or society — awake or asleep — by night and by 
day! At his meals, and his food cannot nourish — 
on his bed, and his sleep cannot refresh him ! While 
the object of his hatred lives, and lives unpunished, 
the fire of resentment continually burns, and he is, 
without one moment's intermission, tormented in its 
flame. 

But say he has accomplished his purpose of ven- 
geance — say that he has succeeded in ruining the re- 
putation, or the happiness, of the victim of his resent- 
ment — say that, under the influence of a code of honour, 
as it is called, which, in daring defiance of the law of 
God, and scornful contempt of the spirit of Christi- 
anity, sanctions revenge, and stamps its seal of ap- 
proval on suicide and murder, bringing the foulest 



] 32 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

blot on countries calling themselves Christian, and 
provoking the deepest displeasure of an offended God, 
at the outrage offered to the Gospel of His beloved 
Son — say that, under the sanction of this accursed 
code, he has satiated his revengeful spirit, by imbruing 
his hands in a brother's blood, and perhaps poured 
the bitterest anguish into the heart of a desolate family, 
where he has made the wife a widow, and the chil- 
dren fatherless — oh! is the man, who has thus fully 
accomplished all his diabolical disposition could de- 
sire, is he happy now? Yes! if Satan be happy, so 
may he be, who is a partaker of his spirit. Yes! if 
hell be the abode of peace, so may be the bosom 
where its fires are kindled, and its fiendish delight in 
the destruction of happiness revels uncontrolled. 

How powerfully is the sinfulness of this anti-chris- 
tian practice exposed in the well-known lines of the 
Christian poet! and how unanswerably do the sub- 
joined verses of the word of God prove, that it is 
altogether incompatible with the genius of the Gospel, 
the character of its Founder, and the plainest precepts 
and prohibitions which He has enjoined on all that 
profess to bear His name! 

"To trample on our Maker's laws, 
And hazard life for any or no cause; 
To rush into the fixed eternal state, 
Out of the very flames of rage and hate; 
Or send another shivering to the bar, 
With all the guilt of such unnatural war; 
Whatever use may urge, or honour plead, 
On reason's verdict, is a madman's deed." — Cowper. 

" Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example that ye should follow 
His steps, who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; — when He 
suffered, He threatened not, but committed Himself to Him that judgeth 
righteously." 

"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." 

" Avenge not yourselves — vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the 
Lord." 

"They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." 

There cannot, indeed, be a more melancholy proof 
how wide is the distinction between nominal and real 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 133 

Christianity, than the prevalence of duelling in pro- 
fessedly Christian countries. When we consider how 
palpably this practice is opposed both to the precepts 
and the example of the divine Founder of our faith, 
and how utterly irreconcilable with the spirit of the 
religion which He came down from heaven to esta- 
blish u.pon earth, and yet how extensively it is patro- 
nized and practised in Christian lands — does it not 
painfully prove, that, amongst the multitudes who 
profess and call themselves Christians, the number 
who are really entitled to the name is fearfully small? 
For, is not the advocacy of this practice a recognised 
principle of the code of honour adopted and acted 
upon by the men of the world? And are not all 
chargeable with the crime, in essence, who are re- 
solved to commit it, whenever what such men call a 
justifiable provocation shall occur? 

Now, were it not kept in remembrance, that such 
multitudes bear the name without even a wish to 
bear the image of Christ, might it not justly excite 
our unqualified surprise, that such a practice — based 
as it is on the principle that every man has a right, 
when injured, to avenge himself; and breathing, as it 
does, the spirit of unforgiving resentment and vin- 
dictive retaliation — should be avowedly advocated 
and adopted by the professed followers of Him, who 
came into our world on an errand of mercy towards 
those that had most deeply injured and insulted Him 
— of Him, whose whole life was one continued dis- 
play of love to His enemies — who bore the most un- 
merited provocations with the most unconquerable 
patience — who offered up Himself as a sacrifice for 
the salvation of those that had persecuted Him even 
unto death — and poured out His expiring breath in a 
fervent prayer for the pardon of His murderers — 
Him, who expressly says to His followers, "Avenge 
not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath; ven- 
geance is mine—I will repay, saith the Lord ?" How 
12* 



134 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 



can a greater mockery be imagined than the duellist 
calling himself a servant of such a Master — a disciple 
of such a Lord? Is he following the Saviour's foot- 
steps? Is he conformed to His image? Is he mo- 
delled after His example? Is he meet for a heaven 
of love? What, in truth, are the essential characte- 
ristics of a true Christian, as they were of the adorable 
Redeemer Himself? Are they not humility and love? 
And what can be conceived more diametrically op- 
posed to these than the spirit which is imbodied in 
the duellist's character — the proud and resentful sense 
of injury or insult, which prompts its possessor to 
avenge his wounded honour by imbruing his hands 
in a fellow-creature's blood? Does not this spirit 
bear unequivocally the image and superscription of 
Satan? How can such a man presume to call himself 
a Christian — that is, a follower o£ Christ — of Him, 
who was divine love manifested in a human form? 
Is it not an insult to God, our Saviour, to profess His 
religion, and to bear His name, while thus trampling 
on His authority and His law? Listen to His express 
command — "If a man smite thee on the one cheek, 
turn to him the other." Now, admitting that this is 
not to be understood literally, how would it be possi- 
ble to reconcile the practice of duelling with its spirit ? 
Does it not seem a waste of words to ask ? Is the 
man who, for the most trifling, or even the most ag- 
gravated, affront, is ready to shed a brother's blood, 
acting in the spirit of this command of the Divine 
Redeemer? Again, look to the parable of the unfor- 
giving servant, whose import is too plain to require 
any comment; accompanied with that awful declara- 
tion at its close — "So likewise shall my heavenly 
Father do also unto you, if ye, from your hearts, for- 
give not every one his brother their trespasses!" Does 
the duellist from his heart forgive his brother's tres- 
passes against him? And if not, how fearful the doom 
hanging over him ! How dreadful the denunciation, 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 135 

that God will not forgive him his trespasses! — and if 
unforgiven by God, oh! what an eternity of wrath 
and wo awaits his unpardoned soul! Look, again, 
at the Lord's prayer. Mark that petition, '.' Forgive 
us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass 
against us!" Now, conceive a duellist, who will not 
forgive an injury or insult, the morning before he goes 
to what may be the field of blood, kneeling down and 
offering up that prayer. How is it turned into a 
frightful imprecation on his lips — calling down the 
curse of an angry God on his own soul ! For, as he 
beseeches of God to deal with him as he deals with 
an offending brother, whom he will not pardon, does 
he not virtually beseech of God even thus not to par- 
don him, but to pour out His vengeance upon him for 
his manifold offences, by thought, word, and deed, 
against the majesty and mercy of the Most High? 

But enough, perhaps, has been said to prove that 
this practice is so altogether anti-christian, as being 
diametrically opposed both to the precepts and ex- 
ample of the Founder of our faith, and also to the 
essential spirit of His religion, that those who delibe- 
rately sanction it, as deliberately unchristianize them- 
selves, and renounce all claims to the character, the 
privileges, and the hopes of the true followers of the 
Son of God. For is it not expressly declared, that 
"if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none 
of His?" and can it be necessary to ask, if the duellist 
has the Spirit of Christ? Indeed, this is so univer- 
sally acknowledged, that even the avowed patrons of 
this practice do not attempt to defend it on Christian 
grounds, or to prove that it is reconcilable with either 
the commands of Christ or the spirit of Christianity. 
They confess, in fact, that, in a religious point of view, 
it is utterly indefensible; but then they argue that it 
is necessary, (as if what is sinful could ever be neces- 
sary,) in order to restrain the tyrannical insolence of 
overbearing men — to prevent the strong from tramp- 



136 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

ling on the weak — and to afford satisfaction for a class 
of injuries and insults, which no man of honour can 
allow to pass unpunished, without involving himself 
in an imputation of meanness and cowardice, (as if it 
were not the basest cowardice to do what is felt to 
be wrong, from the fear of man,) an imputation which, 
to such a man, would be far more dreadful than death 
itself; and that, therefore, let the consequences, for 
time or for eternity, be what they may, rather than 
incur the reproach of cowardice or meanness of spirit, 
by submitting to instead of avenging an insult, or re- 
fusing to accept a challenge, they will even brave the 
vengeance of Almighty God by an act which essen- 
tially involves the guilt both of suicide and murder, 
as the duellist is willing to run the risk of rushing 
himself, and sending a fellow-creature, unsummoned, 
in the act of sin, into the presence of God. Now, 
this exhibits a most appalling aspect of the crimina- 
lity of this practice, and the one, in which that dis- 
tinguished Christian patriot and philanthropist, the 
late lamented Wilberforce, conceived the very essence 
of its sinfulness to consist; and has recorded his opi- 
nion to this effect, in his invaluable "Practical View 
of Christianity." He there shows that the essential 
guilt of this practice consists in "a deliberate prefe- 
rence of the favour of man before the favour and ap- 
probation of God, in articulo mortis, in an instance 
wherein our own life and that of a fellow-creature 
are at stake; and wherein we run the risk of rushing 
into the presence of our Maker, in the very act of 
offending Him!" (See chap. iv. section iii.) The 
duellist, that is, the man who either sends or accepts 
a challenge, by his conduct practically proves, that 
he values the approbation, and dreads the censure of 
his fellow-man, immeasurably more than he either 
values the favour, or fears the frown of his God. How 
opposite to the spirit which animated the noble reply 
of a Christian hero — "You know I am not afraid to 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 137 

fjy;ht, but I am afraid to sin!" He virtually says, 
"I know that this practice is sinful in the sight of 
God, and exposes me to his displeasure; but still I 
must adopt it, because if I were to decline doing so, 
from a regard to the favour of God, I would forfeit, 
what I value infinitely more — the favour of man. I 
would be branded with the name of coward; and 1 
would rather be branded with the name, and, if it 
must be, with the curse, of a contemptuous violator 
of God's holy law: I know that by this crime I am 
trampling on the love and the command of Him who 
died for me; but I prefer this to losing my reputation, 
as a man of honour, among those who despise His 
name. I see (I confess,) that I must choose between 
the censure of my fellow-worms, and the condemna- 
tion of my God and Saviour; and I am resolved to 
sacrifice His smiles, and brave the worst that He can 
inflict on me, rather than encounter the sneer of those 
whose approbation, as they are the enemies of God 
and godliness, (for it is such alone that will condemn 
me,) is, I must acknowledge, in reality, nothing 
worth." Oh! is not this, indeed, to prefer Barabbas 
to Jesus? 

Now, just conceive a man calling himself a Chris- 
tian, with this full conviction of the sinfulness of du- 
elling on his mind, going out to the field of crime in 
this state; and then conceive him, (what facts* have 
proved to be fearfully possible,) killed in the very 
act of sin, without one moment allowed him for re- 
pentance ! Conceive, then, his spirit in this state 
(and what ground of hope would the Scriptures war- 

* What an appalling commentary on this statement is supplied by 
the following statistics of duelling! — 172 duels fought in the reign of 
George the Third. 344 persons concerned in them. 69 individuals 
killed— in three of the cases both killed. 96 wounded — 48 desperately 
—4-8 slightly. More than one-fifth lost their lives — nearly one-half 
wounded. 18 trials only took place — 6 acquitted — 7 guilty of man- 
slaughter — 3 of murder — 2 of whom were executed — and 8 imprisoned, 
during different periods. 

What a fearful exhibition in a professedly Christian country ! 



138 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

rant in such a case?) hurried into the presence of that 
God whose law he has broken, whose favour he has 
despised, whose vengeance he has braved ! Conceive 
— but no! — no human imagination can conceive the 
unimaginable horrors of such a meeting between the 
soul and God, if it pass into his presence unpardoned 
— unpurified — self-destroyed. 

Then follow this spirit, banished for ever from the 
presence of its insulted God; (for what hope, I repeat 
it, does the Gospel, rich as it is in mercy, hold out 
for a spirit, rushing, uncalled and unprepared, in the 
act of deliberate and unrepented sin, into the presence 
of its Maker?) follow it into the place of torment, 
where is "weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of 
teeth,' 'for ever! Think how the worm of remorse 
will there eternally gnaw that tormented spirit, with 
agonizing upbraidings for its suicidal guilt and mad- 
ness, in having preferred the favour of the ungodly 
to the favour of God; and feared the displeasure of a 
worm, whose anger is utter impotence, more than the 
wrath of Him whose frown is hell! And then pic- 
ture some fellow-sufferer in that place of torment, 
mocking this lost spirit's intolerable agony by the 
insulting consolation — " 'Tis true, unhappy ruined 
one, thou art doomed to spend eternity in this lake 
of unquenchable fire; but must it not solace thy sor- 
rows, and recompense thee for the lost favour of 
heaven, the sacrifice of everlasting happiness, to re- 
member that thou art made honourable mention of on 
earth, as having fallen nobly on the field of honour, 
by those despisers of God whose approbation thou 
didst prefer to His?" 

And then turn from the contemplation of this ter- 
rific picture to the murderer of this victim of false 
honour — the destroyer of this ruined soul — -and look 
into his breast! Conceive, if every trace of human 
feeling be not extinguished there, what must be its 
agony at the thought of having, probably for some 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 139 

trifling provocation, been the occasion of destroying 
the immortal soul of a fellow-creature, perhaps a friend, 
with an everlasting destruction, by sending him, with 
all his unpardoned sins, in the very act of rebellion, 
against His authority, into the presence of his God! 
Oh! when we look at this fearful exhibition of 
guilt and misery, (and it may be fully realized in 
every duel that takes place, and therefore each of 
the combatants is chargeable in the sight of God 
with it all,) can we refrain from wondering, that 
such a barbarous and destructive practice should 
have been allowed so long to disgrace the profession 
of Christianity in our land — that no solemn public 
protest against its deeply-dyed iniquity has been 
lifted up by the members of a Christian legislature, 
or the ministers of a Christian church — and that no 
steps have been taken, nor any measure suggested 
for the adoption of some specific plan, calculated to 
suppress a practice so insulting to God, so ruinous 
to man ! There is another aspect (at which we have 
already glanced) in which the guilt of duelling may 
be viewed, as exhibiting a. peculiar and aggravated 
criminality; and which cannot be better displayed 
than in the words of the same distinguished writer 
to whom we have before referred. u There is one 
observation," says Mr. Wilberforce, in his Practical 
View, "which must not be omitted, and which seems 
to have been too much overlooked. In the judg- 
ment of that religion which requires purity of heart, 
and to that Being to whom, as we before remarked, 
' thought is action,' he cannot be esteemed innocent 
of this crime who lives in a settled habitual determi- 
nation to commit it, when circumstances shall call 
upon him so to do. This is a consideration which 
places the crime of duelling on a different footing 
from almost any other; indeed there is perhaps no 
other which mankind are habitually and deliberately 
resolved to practise, whenever the temptation shall 



mmmmmmammmamm 



140 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

occur. It shows also that the crime of duelling is 
far more general in the higher classes than is com- 
monly supposed, and that the whole sum of the 
guilt which the practice produces, is great beyond 
what has, perhaps, ever been conceived ! It will be 
the writer's comfort to have solemnly suggested 
this consideration to the consciences of those by 
whom this impious practice might be suppressed. 
If such there be, which he is strongly inclined to 
believe, theirs is the crime, and theirs the responsi- 
bility of suffering it to continue." 

What an awful condition is this for a professing 
Christian to be placed in! — Standing every moment 
on the brink of eternity, uncertain how soon he may 
be summoned into the presence of the living God, 
with the daily accumulating load of guilt, arising, 
from his deliberate intention, whenever tempted, to 
commit one of the most heinous sins that can pro- 
voke the displeasure of that God who is love! Is 
it not strange that any individual, in this most fear- 
ful state, could enjoy one moment's peace of mind, 
or even be able to close his eyes in sleep, from the 
terrifying apprehension that he should be startled 
out of that sleep by the summons of death, and thus 
plunged into that lake of unquenchable fire, where 
all unforgiving spirits shall be tormented in unutter- 
able agony, for ever and ever? 

In a note this eminent Christian philanthropist 
subjoins, that "there can be little doubt of the effi- 
cacy of what has been more than once suggested, a 
court of honour, to take cognizance of such offences 
as would naturally fall within its province. The 
effects of this establishment (he observes) would 
doubtless require to be enforced by legislative pro- 
visions, directly punishing the practice; and by dis- 
couraging at court, and in military and naval situa- 
tions, all who should directly or indirectly be guilty 
of it." 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 141 

If such a court could be established, sanctioned by 
adequate authority, and thus a stop were put to this 
most barbarous and wicked practice, what an im- 
portant benefit would be conferred on mankind ! — 
what a deep blot on the character of our national 
Christianity would be effaced ! — what a load of crime, 
provoking the vengeance of God, and inflicting a 
fearful amount of misery on man, would be removed! 
Alas! how many a useful member of society has this 
antichristian practice cut off, in the very prime and 
vigour of his life ! How many a once happy family 
has it desolated ! How many a wife has it widowed ! 
How many children made fatherless! Surely, when 
these considerations are joined to the more awful 
view of the subject, in reference to its eternal con- 
sequences, with which we have commenced, it may 
well excite our surprise and sorrow, that some more 
vigorous efforts have not been made by the faithful 
followers of a meek and forgiving Saviour, for the 
suppression of a practice, which so outrages the 
plainest precepts of His religion, so affronts His au- 
thority and example, and involves, to those who 
bear His name, and are chargeable with its guilt, 
such appalling consequences, for time and for eter- 
nity! 

I am, indeed, well aware, that no power can ef- 
fectually abolish this impious practice, except the 
power of God the Holy Ghost,enthroning a Saviour's 
love in the hearts of His professing followers — con- 
trolling the proud and resentful feelings of our fall- 
en nature — subordinating the desire for man's ap- 
plause to the desire for the favour of God — and con- 
straining all who bear the Saviour's name to obey 
His precepts, imbibe His spirit, and follow His steps. 
Yes, in proportion as the meek and merciful spirit 
of Christianity prevails, and the example of its di- 
vine Founder is followed, will a practice so abhor- 
rent to His nature and so hateful to His sight be 
13 



MHHHHM 



142 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

discontinued. And I would therefore, in concluding 
these observations, affectionately entreat all my 
beloved brethren in the ministry, to do all in their 
power, by exhibiting forcibly and frequently, in 
their pulpit addresses, the antichristian character 
and tremendous consequences of this practice, and 
by any other means, which, on prayerfully consider- 
ing the subject, may be suggested to their minds, to 
wipe away this foul blot from our national character, 
and to dry up this fruitful source of individual misery 
and crime. 

But while I have been thus solicitous to seize the 
opportunity, afforded by the consideration of the 
baneful influence on human happiness which the 
spirit of revenge exercises, to expose the enormous 
guilt of the practice of duelling to which it leads, 
I must not forget our main object, even to prove, 
that, independently of all the miseries which this 
practice brings in its train, the number of wives it 
has widowed, and of families it has made fatherless 
— the wrath of God and the ruin of soul which it 
involves— the passion on which it is based is in itself 
altogether destructive of the peace of the bosom 
where it reigns, and where, by establishing the do- 
minion of Satan, it diffuses the atmosphere of hell; 
and, on the other hand, a meek and forgiving spirit, 
that, like the compassionate Redeemer, loves its 
enemies and prays for its persecutors, enjoys amidst 
the severest provocations a peace which no injuries 
— no affronts, however aggravated, can disturb; and 
which, by establishing in the soul the dominion of 
che Prince of Peace, diffuses there the peaceful at- 
mosphere of heaven. 

This spirit of forgivingness, which imparts such 
peace, the gospel at once inculcates, by its divine 
Founder's precept and example; and promotes, by 
cherishing that spirit of Christ-like love, which 
utterly eradicates every resentful feeling. If the in- 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS, 143 

dividual that has injured the believer be a friend of 
God, who may have so far acted inconsistently with 
his character, still the sincere Christian, viewing him 
as a fellow-member of Christ, a fellow-heir of God, 
cannot but love him as such, (notwithstanding any 
unkindness he may receive from him,) with such 
love as banishes all resentment from his breast ; for 
he cannot but love the fellow-disciple whom his 
dear Master and Saviour loves! But if the indivi- 
dual be an enemy of God, all resentful sense of the 
injuries inflicted on himself, is swallowed up in a 
Christian's heart, by pitying compassion for one who 
is exposed to the wrath of an offended God ! He is 
more disposed to weep over him, in the contempla- 
tion of the everlasting ruin impending over his un- 
pardoned soul, as the Saviour wept over the devoted 
city of Jerusalem, than to brood in resentful anger, 
over the injuries he has himself received. This 
turns his feelings toward his injurer into the channel 
of prayer for his salvation — and in the heart, where 
that prayer is offered up with sincerity, no resent- 
ment can abide. Besides, a grateful remembrance 
of all that his God has forgiven him — the fearful 
accumulation of aggravated insults against His ma- 
jesty and mercy, constrains the Christian to forgive 
his fellow-creature the comparatively trifling insults 
he has received at his hands. Conscious that his 
divine Master has freely forgiven him ten thousand 
talents, he cannot hesitate to forgive a fellow-ser- 
vant a few pence! When he reflects on the full im- 
port of that petition, "Forgive us, as we forgive," 
he shudders at the thought of cherishing so much as 
a spark of that unforgiving spirit towards any indi- 
vidual, (no matter what may be the amount or ag- 
gravation of the injuries or insults received,) which 
would turn that petition, from a prayer for pardon, 
into an imprecation against his own soul. These 
considerations, brought with power to his heart by 



144 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

the Spirit of God, breathing its dove-like serenity 
over his soul, keep the Christian calm and cheerful 
amidst provocations which would otherwise chafe 
his spirit into resentment, and destroy its peace. 

There is in truth a serenity of spirit, enjoyed by 
the man whom no injuries can ruffle into resentment, 
which proves, most incontestably, what a friendly 
influence on human happiness the religion of the 
gospel exercises. And when we consider how mani- 
fold are the provocations, to which in such a world 
as this we are continually exposed, we must acknow- 
ledge of how immense importance it is, for our own 
peace of mind, to be possessed of a principle which 
can shield us from the most envenomed shafts of 
malice, and disarm every insult of its sting, and 
every provocation of its power to wound us — ena- 
bling us to maintain an unbroken- composure amidst 
the fiercest assaults of persecution, and, like Stephen, 
amidst the wildest rage of infuriate foes, to look up 
to heaven — and be at peace! What a sublime spec- 
tacle does this proto-martyr afford! To see him 
surrounded by his savage persecutors, all thirsting 
for his blood — his poor mangled body one mass of 
wounds and bruises — every nerve thrilling with in- 
tensest agony! To see him at such a time lifting 
up his eyes in calm composure to the heaven where 
his beloved Saviour appeared, standing to receive 
his departing soul — to hear him breathing forth his 
spirit in prayer for the pardon of his persecutors — 
and thus, amidst the showers of stones, which were 
mangling his tortured frame, gently falling asleep in 
Jesus — oh! surely there is here a sublime display of 
the power of Christian forgivingness to keep the soul 
of its possessor in perfect peace, amidst the fiercest 
storms by which it can be assailed! How closely 
did this first of the martyr band tread in his divine 
Master's footsteps! How deeply must he have drunk 
into the spirit of that divine Philanthropist, who gave 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 145 

in His death the most affecting illustration of His 
own gracious command, "Love your enemies, and 
pray for them that despitefully use you, and perse- 
cute you!" by breathing out His soul, amidst , the 
tortures of the cross, in a prayer for the forgiveness 
of His murderers! 

Now, when we contrast the feelings of the heart 
where such a spirit of forgivingness reigns, w r ith 
those of a breast where the demon of revenge has 
established his empire, can we for one moment doubt 
in which bosom true happiness can be expected to 
dwell? Is not the former a type of heaven, and the 
latter the counterpart of hell ? Is not the former the 
throne of the Saviour, and the latter of Satan? Can 
it then be a matter for debate or doubt, which of 
these two has been chosen by happiness as her con- 
genial abode? 

There is another feature of our adorable Redeem- 
er's character, at which I would here briefly glance, 
as it has been already adverted to in the two open- 
ing chapters of this work — I mean His deep piety 
and devotion. Though, in His divine nature, one 
with the Father, co-eternal and co-equal, the Son of 
God, in His human nature, presents a perfect pattern 
of filial piety, and devotional communion with God! 
To fulfil the work which His heavenly Father had 
given Him to do — to glorify Him on the earth — 
this was the one great object which the Son of God 
continually kept in view, and primarily desired to 
advance, by His "obedience unto death, even the 
death of the cross." And, throughout the entire of 
His life and ministry on earth, He maintained and 
exhibited an habitual sense of submission to His 
Father's authority, resignation to His will, and de- 
pendence on His love and care, manifested by the 
most cheerful acquiescence in all His appointments, 
and continual communion with Him, in secret, so- 
cial, and public prayer. Witness the submissive ex- 
13* 



146 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

clamation — " Even so, Father, for so it seemed good 
in Thy sight !" Witness the pathetic appeal to Him- 
self — "The cup which my Father hath given me, 
shall I not drink it?" And the yet more pathetic 
appeal to His Father in heaven — "If this cup may 
not pass from me, unless I drink it, Father, not my 
will, but Thine be done!" And what a beautiful 
model of a devotional spirit did He display, in his 
oft-recorded rising early, and retiring to a mountain, 
to hold converse in prayer with His heavenly Fa- 
ther — in the fervency of His supplications, before 
appointing His apostles, or performing His miracles 
of mercy — and on that most affecting occasion, when, 
in the garden of Gethsemane, " being in an agony, 
He prayed more earnestly!" 

Now, in all these particulars, He has left us an 
example that we should follow. His steps. That, 
like Him, we should make it our aim and object to 
do the will, and promote the glory, of our Father in 
heaven — that, like Him, we should drink, with 
cheerful resignation, whatever cup of trial our hea- 
venly Father puts into our hands — and that, like 
Him, we should never enter on any important un- 
dertaking without special supplication for divine 
wisdom to guide, and divine power to sustain, us in 
the work; and should be led, like Him, to seek in 
sorrow the consolations which pouring out our hearts 
before God will supply, and in every hour of agony, 
to pray more earnestly! 

As in the first and second chapters I have consi- 
dered the happiness that flows from loving and serv- 
ing God, and in the fifth, from being cheerfully re- 
signed to His will, I will here advert only to the 
happiness that flows from conformity to the Sa- 
viour's character, in its devotional features, through 
the channel of hallowed intercourse with God. I 
will touch on this the more briefly, as I have so fully 
expressed my sentiments on this subject in a little 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 147 

work on prayer, in which I have endeavoured to 
describe the blessedness it imparts to a child of 
God! 

I would observe then, here, in connexion with the 
immediate object of the present work, that the Chris- 
tian enjoys, through the medium of a devotional 
frame of mind, a rich repast of spiritual pleasures, 
the purest, the most elevated, and the most delight- 
ful, from which the worldling, however amiable, 
(for I would think it a waste of time to consider the 
case of the blasphemer, the scoffer, or the openly 
profane,) is altogether shut out; inasmuch as no 
punctuality of external performances, whether in 
private or public worship, however scrupulously 
observed, can yield one particle of such pleasures 
to any heart, in which the love of God does not 
abidingly dwell, and supremely reign! Let us then 
glance for a moment at these pleasures. First, the 
pleasures of prayer. How sweet to a child of God 
to come before his Father in heaven, in the Patmos 
of his solitary chamber, and there pour out his every 
want and wish, his every solicitude and sorrow, into 
that Father's pitying heart!— to seek His advice in 
every perplexity, His protection in every danger, 
His support in every temptation, and His comforts 
in every grief! — to plead for pardon for daily defi- 
ciencies through a Saviour's atoning blood, and for 
strength for daily duties through the Spirit's sancti- 
fying grace! — to thank Him for all His loving-kind- 
nesses, (for it is indeed delightful both in private 
and family, as well as social and public worship, 
largely to mingle praise with prayer,) and to give 
utterance, though but as with the lisping, stammer- 
ing tongue of infancy, to all the varied feelings of a 
contrite, yet happy — a trembling, but thankful heart! 
What honour that an earthly sovereign's favour could 
confer, is to be compared with such an audience of 
the King of kings! What happiness that intercourse 



■an 



148 



THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 



with the best and dearest of earthly objects can im- 
part, can equal that which this communion with the 
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ affords ! 

Then there are the pleasures which the Word of 
God supplies. What a field of enjoyment is here 
opened to a Christian's view! Well may it be said, 
that " his delight is in the law of the Lord, and m 
that law does he meditate day and night!" Every 
announcement of his heavenly Father's will, every 
exhibition of his divine Saviour's love, every deve- 
lopment of the Holy Spirit's grace, every precious 
promise, every holy precept, every sketch of hea- 
ven's happiness, and every glimpse of celestial glory, 
which that blessed Book contains, fills his heart with 
unutterable joy ! He regards it as a treasury of un- 
searchable and imperishable riches, which an appro- 
priating faith has made all his own! He feasts on 
the spiritual banquet there provided for him, and en 
the anticipation of the divine enjoyments, that will 
attend the celebration of the marriage supper of the 
Lamb! Not a character of a child of God, deline- 
ated in the page of inspiration, but yields him, in its 
perusal, a sacred pleasure ! But, pre-eminently above 
all, the character of his beloved Saviour is to him a 
source of inexhaustible delight ! He reads the blessed 
Book, with tears of thankful joy, as a letter of love 
from his Father in heaven, directed to himself; and 
listens to its every announcement with grateful glad- 
ness, as to the accents of that Father's voice ! Nor 
could the tongue of man tell a believer's blessedness, 
when he surveys all the riches of grace and glory 
which the word of God reveals, and cries out, in a 
transport of humble, holy joy — All these are mine, 
for I am Christ's, and Christ is God's! 

Then there are the pleasures of the Sabbath and 
the sacramental table. What hallowed enjoyment 
does the Christian feel in joining with his fellow- 
Christians in the worship of their common God!— 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 149 

listening together to His voice, as He speaks to them 
in His holy word! — offering up their united suppli- 
cations to the throne of grace! — blending their hearts 
and voices in the song of praise ! — kneeling together 
at that table where the sacred feast is spread out, and 
enjoying there the sweet feeling of communion with 
the Lord, and with all they love in Him! — rejoicing 
in the consciousness that they are all one with Christ, 
and in Christ, while partaking together of the con- 
secrated emblems of His broken body, and poured 
out blood ! — anticipating the day of His glorious ap- 
pearing, when they shall all sit down together at the 
marriage feast, provided by the everlasting Father, 
to grace and honour the day of the celebration of His 
beloved Son's espousal with His mystical bride — 
His blood-bought Church! 

Oh! what pleasures can the worldling ever taste, 
to be compared with these! And what a watchful 
jealousy should the Christian exercise, lest indulged 
sin, or a spirit of carelessness or indolence, should 
bring a blight on these hallowed enjoyments! — lest 
formality should creep into his devotional exercises, 
and, by eating up the very vitals of their spirituality, 
leave them dry, sapless, and profitless, yielding nei- 
ther strength nor comfort to the soul! — lest the study 
of the scriptures should become a burdensome task, 
mechanically performed, rather than a delightful re- 
creation, cordially enjoyed ! — and lest the divine or- 
dinances of public worship, and even the sacramental 
table itself, should cease to be seasons of sacred and 
soul-reviving communion with God! 

And how fervent, how persevering should the 
Christian be in supplication, that the Holy Spirit, 
whose life-giving and life-sustaining power alone 
can impart efficacy to these means of grace, would 
so accompany them all by His blessing, as to render 
them abundant springs of spiritual strength and re- 
freshment to his soul! 



150 



THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 



CHAPTER X. 



THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 



The last contrast, illustrated by the Saviour's cha- 
racter, to which I shall advert in proof of my posi- 
tion, is between selfishness and benevolence; and 
assuredly it cannot require much ingenuity or argu- 
ment to prove, that the spirit of Christian benevo- 
lence exercises a more favourable influence on human 
happiness than the spirit of selfishness. 

It is almost needless to observe, that the very es- 
sence of the Saviour's character, more especially as 
developed in the scheme of redemption, is love. 
What was it which would not allow Him to enjoy, 
in undisturbed tranquillity, the ineffable delight, 
which from eternity He had enjoyed in the bosom 
of the everlasting Father, but constrained Him to 
exchange it for a life of humiliation, sorrow, and 
suffering upon earth? Was it not love to man? Was 
it not divine philanthropy which prompted Him to 
undertake the gracious office of man's Redeemer, 
though fully aware that to accomplish the work, He 
must submit to pain and persecution, degradation 
and death? Was it not this principle of divine be- 
nevolence which both urged Him to visit our world, 
and marked every step of His journey through it 
with some fresh manifestations of his love? Was 
it not this which made His every miracle a miracle 
of mercy; and. justified the beautiful compendium of 
His history, contained in the simple assertion, that 
" He went about doing good ?" Was it not this 
which made Him delight, with such affectionate 
sympathy, to administer consolation to the children 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 151 

of sorrow, and to pour the balm of heaven's peace 
into the mourning and bleeding heart? And is it 
not this, too, which led Him to grasp at the joy set 
before Him, for which He was content to endure 
the cross, and despise its shame, even the joy of 
rescuing many perishing sinners from the gulf of 
everlasting destruction, and bringing them safe to 
heaven, to be partakers through eternity of His own 
blessedness and gloiy? Yes! and will it not be this 
divine love in the Redeemer's breast, which will 
lead Him, in the day of His appearing, to rejoice 
with such ineffable joy, in beholding His throne en- 
compassed by a multitude that no man could num- 
ber, of glorified saints, whom He had won, as the 
trophies of His victory, in His conflict with Satan, 
in the days of His flesh; and in whose happiness, thus 
purchased by His own sufferings, " He shall see of 
the travail of His soul, and be satisfied?" And will 
not the happiness of His redeemed and glorified peo- 
ple supply to the Redeemer, throughout eternity, a 
source of such inconceivable felicity, as will abun- 
dantly repay Him (and what must be their happi- 
ness, to be an adequate recompense, even in His es- 
timation) for all the shame and agonies of the cross? 
If these things be so, must not the Christian philan- 
thropist, just in proportion as he is more closely as- 
similated to the character, enter more fully into the 
joy of his Lord ? Must he not drink deeper draughts 
of divine felicity, as he drinks deeper draughts of 
the divine benevolence of the Lord he loves? And 
just as he makes his own happiness to consist in pro- 
moting the happiness, temporal and eternal, of all 
that come within the sphere of his influence, must 
he not find that such happiness as the Saviour him- 
self felt, in accomplishing the benevolent work of 
redeeming love, will take up its abode in his breast? 
Is it not manifest from this, that every step of ad- 
vance we make in approximation to the Redeemer's 



152 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

generous, self-sacrificing philanthropy, is a step of 
advance in approximating also to His bliss; and that 
if we would be partakers of a felicity such as He en- 
joys, we must, even as He did, in the days of His 
flesh, " rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep 
with them that weep?" 

And if, turning from the contemplation of Jesus, 
as the Redeemer, we contemplate Him as the Cre- 
ator, must we not be equally impressed with the 
conviction, that the principle of benevolence, de- 
lighting in the diffusion of happiness, must be en- 
throned in our hearts, and exhibited in our lives, if 
we would be, indeed, partakers of the felicity of God? 
" God is love." He delights in the impartation of 
happiness to those intelligent beings whom He has 
created, for the very purpose of filling them, out of 
His own fulness, with overflowing joy. And if, from 
the higher order of created intelligences, from the 
burning seraphim that surround His throne, we look 
to the humblest insect that creeps on the surface of 
the earth, we shall find the most abundant manifes- 
tations of the benignity of the Deity, developing 
themselves to our view on every side. Every 
where we are encompassed with tokens of the divine 
goodness, delighting to spread enjoyment over every 
field of contemplation to which we direct our gaze. 
The variegated charms which He has scattered over 
the scenery of nature — the sounds of gladness which 
salute our ears from the rejoicing inhabitants of the 
fields and groves — the multiplied sources of satis- 
faction provided for the family of man, through the 
medium of his senses, his intellect, and his affections 
— all these, independently of the stupendous displays 
of divine benevolence, exhibited in the scheme of 
redemption, and the inheritance of eternal glory, 
prepared for the objects of His electing grace— lift 
up their united voices to proclaim that, "God is love" 
— that it is of the very essence of the divine nature 



OP TRUE HAPPINESS. 153 

to delight in the diffusion of happiness — and that we 
are warranted to believe, that a large measure of the 
divine felicity consists in the impartation to others 
of a portion of its own unbounded bliss. 

If creation, providence, and redemption, all thus 
combine their attestation to this truth, must it not 
be manifest, that the Christian religion, which makes 
it a primary part of its design to conform the cha^ 
racter of man to that of God, in this loveliest feature 
of the divine image, tends most powerfully to pro- 
mote the man's true happiness, by making him a 
partaker of the happiness of God, leading him to 
delight, even as God delights, in diffusing joy "and 
gladness, as far as his influence extends; and thus, 
by emancipating him from the degrading bondage 
o selfishness, and leading him to expatiate through 
the multiplied fields of benevolent pleasure which 
Christian philanthropy opens to his view, to taste a 
felicity which harmonizes with the essential happi- 
ness of the blessed God, and to which an increase is 
continually added by every fresh accession of puri- 
fied enjoyment which the benevolent spirit is in- 
strumental in imparting to the various objects of its 
ministering love. 

There is not, indeed, any point of view in which 
the religion of the gospel is seen in a more favoura- 
ble aspect, as to its influence on human happiness, 
than when thus contemplated, as exercising its holy 
energies for the extirpation of the selfish and male- 
volent, and the cultivation of the generous and be- 
nevolent affections of our nature. The spirit of self- 
ishness which predominates in every human heart 
while it continues unrenewed by divine grace, is 
utterly incompatible with the spirit of true happi- 
ness. It has been well said by a distinguished poet, 
that 

" Nature, in zeal for human amity, 
Denies or damps an undivided joy." 

l-j 



154 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

So long as all our desires, hopes, affections, and 
anxieties are concentrated on self, true felicity, such 
as emanates from the divine fountain above, must be 
a stranger to our hearts. I am well aware, that there 
is a rational self-love, that has nothing in common 
with that sinful selfishness which I would brand 
with reprobation. In truth, without a proper, or as 
I might call it Christianized self-love, there can be 
no true Christian benevolence; for till we have been 
taught to value our own souls, and earnestly to de- 
sire, and seek in God's appointed way, to secure our 
own eternal salvation, we cannot, in the very nature 
of things, feel a lively concern for the salvation of 
others. Now enlightened, well-directed self-love 
will prompt us to pursue our own everlasting hap- 
piness, as the object of primary importance to our- 
selves; and no benevolence deserves the name of 
Christian which does not prompt us to desire, and 
endeavour, to the very utmost extent of our influ- 
ence and opportunities, to promote the everlasting 
happiness of others. But let once this divine prin- 
ciple be enthroned in our hearts — let it once become 
the paramount aim of our lives, from the constrain- 
ing influence of the love of Christ, to labour for the 
advancement of the eternal welfare of those for whom 
He died — let that blessed Spirit, who is the Spirit of 
love, once take up His abode in our soul, and then 
a happiness is brought within our reach as much su- 
perior, in point of elevation, to what the selfish man 
can ever enjoy, as the heavens are higher than the 
earth, and, in point of purity, as the light that de- 
scends unsullied from above is purer than the fogs 
of this lower world. 

.In truth, the happiness, if one may so pervert the 
w r ord, of the selfish man is contracted within a very 
narrow sphere, and is every moment liable to inter- 
ruption and alloy from a thousand external circum- 
stances^ over which the most watchful worldly wis- 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 155 

dom can exercise no control. Besides which, b) r 
making self the object, source, and centre, of all his 
affections and anxieties, such a character is shut out 
from all the pure pleasures which philanthropy im- 
parts, and from all those ministrations to his happi- 
ness which flow from so many sources in the bosom 
of the benevolent man. For as every one delights 
to sympathize with the joys and sorrows of the be- 
nevolent, increasing the former, and mitigating the 
latter, by the tender offices of grateful regard; so 
does every one turn away with contempt and loath- 
ing from the selfish, and leave them to their soli- 
tary grief or gratification, uncomforted in the one, 
and ungladdened in the other, by the soothing voice 
or brightening smile of sympathizing affection. Nor 
must we forget that selfishness is closely allied with 
several of the most tormenting passions which dis- 
turb the peace of the human heart ; for how conti- 
nually is the selfish man a prey to envy, when he 
sees others more successful than himself in the pur- 
suit of some fancied good !— -to jealousy, when he 
sees others preferred to himself in the esteem or af- 
fection of those whose favour or regard, from some 
selfish motive, he desires! — to anger, when he sees 
the success of some favourite scheme defeated by 
the perfidy or carelessness of those in whom he eon- 
fided ; or finds himself deprived of the distinction 
or deference to which, in his pride, he fancied he 
was entitled ! — to discontent, when he meets with 
providential chastisements, in the shape of afflictive 
dispensations, at the hand of God ! — and to resent- 
ment, when he meets with irritating provocations, 
in the shape of injuries and insults, at the hands of 
man ! Alas ! on how insecure a foundation does 
that happiness rest which is exposed every moment 
to such tempestuous gusts, by any one of which the 
tottering fabric must be dashed to the ground ! 
How miserable is the man whose peace of mind is 



156 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

thus at the mercy of innumerable casualties, as the 
world calls them, which he can neither foresee nor 
prevent ! What a mockery, in a world like this, to 
talk of the happiness of a spirit which is liable every 
moment to be corroded by envy, maddened by jea- 
lousy, inflamed with anger, soured by discontent, 
and imbittered by resentment ! Yet such is the 
only happiness that can be tasted by the spirit of 
the selfish man. Now, contrast with this the hap- 
piness which the benevolent spirit, animated by 
Christian love, enjoys. It is free from envy, for 
the Christian feels too happy in the smile of God to 
have the least temptation to envy any fellow Chris- 
tian's bliss — from jealousy, for he knows he has ex- 
actly the measure of every desirable good which 
infinite wisdom sees to be best for him; and there- 
fore he can cheerfully contemplate the superior gifts 
or attainments of those whom the same infinite wis- 
dom has placed in apparently a more favoured po- 
sition than himself—from anger, because he has 
learned of Him who was meek and lowly of heart, 
and is enabled, like his gentle and loving Master, 
amidst the most galling irritations, to keep his soul 
in perfect peace — from discontent, because he 
knows that a covenant-God has promised to make 
all things work together for his eternal good, and 
therefore is contentedly satisfied with every ap- 
pointment of His fatherly hand — and from resent- 
ment, because he feels such compassion for his per- 
secutors, such a yearning desire for their everlasting 
happiness, that he is Utterly incapable of harbour- 
ing one resentful feeling towards them in his breast. 
How secure, then, is the happiness which the be- 
nevolent spirit enjoys, since, coming, as it does, di- 
rect from God, nothing on earth can intercept it; 
or prevent it from pouring its streams of celestial 
blessedness into the heart where that God who is 
love has taken up His abode! Besides, the happi- 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 157 

ness of the benevolent man is continually deriving, 
as we have before observed, fresh accessions from 
the happiness of every object of its affectionate mi- 
nistrations. It participates in the enjoyment which 
it is instrumental in imparting ; nor is it possible for 
a Christian philanthropist to make others happy 
without thereby becoming happier himself. Yes; 
there is not a smile that he kindles on another's 
cheek which does not light up a reflected lustre on 
his own. There is not a thrill of joy that he awa- 
kens in another's heart, which does not give birth to 
a corresponding throb of gladness in his own; nor 
a tear of a fellow-mourner that he wipes away with- 
out feeling a soothing balm, blended with the sor- 
rows of his own soul. Thus are the sources of his 
bliss as multiplied as the objects of his benevolence; 
and every fresh labour of love in which he is en- 
gaged sends another tributary stream of purest plea- 
sure, to swell the full tide of God-like felicity which 
the spirit of Christian philanthrop)^ has poured into 
his heart. What must have been the happiness Of 
the philanthropic Howard, when, on visiting the 
prisoner's cell, like an angel of mercy, he saw the 
gloom of the dungeon brightened to the eyes of its 
wo- worn inmates by the smile of Christian love, 
compassionating their misery, and heard their groans 
exchanged for the grateful blessings of thankful 
hearts ! What must have been the joy of the 
sainted Wilberforce when he beheld the glorious 
recompense of years of toil in the bursting of the 
negro's bonds; and a voice was wafted on his ear 
from distant lands, proclaiming that the slave was 
free, and breathing over him the benediction of 
emancipated millions, whom he had rescued from 
the darkest and most degrading bondage into the 
light and liberty of freedom's sons! When did 
selfishness, though pampered to the uttermost by 
every indulgence that wealth can purchase or luxury 
14* 



15S THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

invent, ever taste a joy like this! But it is pre- 
eminently when Christian philanthropy labours for 
the salvation of immortal souls, that she reaps her 
most glorious reward, and enjoys her brightest 
bliss. Oh! to be the instrument in the hands of 
the Holy Spirit of making even one fellow-sinner 
acquainted with a Saviour's preciousness — of light- 
ing up on his cheek that smile which tells that the 
peace of God resides within — of opening to his view 
the only hope that maketh not ashamed — the hope 
of glory, the only prospect that death cannot 
darken — the prospect of an eternity of inconceiva- 
ble blessedness! Is there not in this a joy which 
the language of earth is altogether inadequate to de- 
scribe — a joy whose possessor may indeed be said 
to " enter into the joy of the Lord," for it is a joy 
akin to that which was set before Him in heaven, 
for whose attainment He was content to "endure 
the cross, despising its shame? " " Are not ye my 
glory and crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord 
Jesus?" says St. Paul to his beloved converts, 
who had been brought, by the divine blessing 
on his ministrations, to the saving knowledge of 
a crucified Redeemer. And such a crown of re- 
joicing will be the portion of every faithful mission- 
ary and minister, yea, and of every private Chris- 
tian too, who is animated and actuated by a glo- 
rious ambition to win many souls to Christ, and as 
having turned many to righteousness, to shine as 
the stars, for ever and ever. 

Strange, is it not surpassingly strange, that with 
such a motive to stimulate their zeal, those who have 
tasted that the Lord is gracious, and who know, by 
their own experience, the sweetness of His love, 
and the preciousness of his salvation, should not be 
more zealous in the God-like work of winning souls 
to Christ! Strange that they should ever rest satis- 
fied, till they have used every exertion within their 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 159 

reach — every means, which they can ask the Spirit 
of love to bless, to bring every unconverted relative 
and friend to the saving knowledge of Him in whom 
their own souls have found such satisfying peace and 
joy, and with whom they hope to spend an eternity 
of bliss and glory ! How, how can they be con- 
tented to enjoy their own hope of salvation, without 
straining every nerve to make all they love — yea, all 
they are acquainted with — partakers of that blessed 
hope ! How can they bear the thought of travel- 
ling heavenward themselves, and leaving any one 
beloved object — yea, any one fellow-immortal, 
whom they could hope to influence, to wander in 
the way that leadeth to everlasting destruction ! 
How can they delight themselves in the possession 
of God's favour now, and the prospect of His glory 
hereafter, without at the same time persevering, 
zealously and unweariedly, in the use of every ap- 
pointed means — the most fervent prayers, the most 
affectionate expostulations, the most faithful remon- 
strances, the most urgent appeals, by which they may 
be warranted to cherish the consolatory hope of being 
the favoured instruments, through the divine power 
of the Holy Spirit, of drawing those they love, who 
are as yet strangers to Christ, to the foot of His 
cross! How is it that the thought of what unutter- 
able joy it would pour into their own hearts, if God 
should so bless their labours of love, does not more 
powerfully constrain them to abound in self-denying, 
unwearied exertions for the accomplishment of suck 
an object! Oh! to look on a beloved relative, and 
say — God made me the instrument of imparting the 
knowledge which brings with it all the blessedness 
that flows from the love of Christ, to that loved one's 
soul; and then to anticipate the bliss of seeing that 
dear object of your heart's affections, as a glorified 
spirit, a fellow-sharer of your joy in the Saviour's 
presence in heaven j and hearing the voice you so 






160 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

loved in life to listen to joining with yours in the 
song of praise to the Lamb; and to feel that this, 
this is the recompense of your faithful labours of 
love — oh! what joy can be compared to this; and 
what energy, what zeal, what perseverance should 
it inspire in striving to win souls to Christ! Were 
this consideration felt, as it ought to be, by every 
Christian's heart, what self-denying exertions, what 
liberal contributions, what generous sacrifices, what 
earnest prayers, would it call forth in the Saviour's 
cause ! What missionary society would be allowed 
to lauguish for want of funds, when this principle 
would pour such a full tide of wealth into the trea- 
sury of every missionary institution! How would 
a flame of missionary zeal be kindled in many a 
Christian's heart, to such an extent as would con- 
strain him to go and proclaim a Saviour's love in 
heathen lands! What an intense interest would be 
felt and manifested on behalf of every exertion, 
making either at home or abroad, among the ancient 
people of God, or the benighted heathen, for the ex- 
tension of the Redeemer's kingdom ! And what an 
avoiding or curtailing of superfluities,in every article 
of domestic or personal expenditure, would be prac- 
tised, to enable the benevolent heart to enjoy the 
luxury of contributing largely to the mitigation of 
human misery, and the increase of human happiness, 
through the medium of the wide-spread diffusion of 
that Gospel, which supplies the only effectual anti- 
dote to the ills of life, the only unfailing source of 
satisfying happiness on earth, and the only infallible 
guide to the glories of eternity ! How watchful too 
would every real Christian be to seize every auspi- 
cious opportunity for pleading with beloved rela- 
tives and friends the cause of their own souls, and 
beseeching them to accept the invitations of a Sa- 
viour's love! How would the time, now too often 
wasted in indolence or frivolity, be redeemed for the 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 161 

noblest of all employments — the duties of a faithful 
and devoted ambassador of Christ, (for every sincere 
Christian should regard himself as such,) zealous for 
his Divine Master's honour, and seeking to persuade 
all around to bow, in grateful allegiance, beneath the 
sceptre of a Saviour's grace! How often would 
the precious theme of that Saviour's love be heard 
from the hallowed lips, which have been touched 
and purified by a living coal from the altar, on which 
the Son of God sacrificed Himself for the salvation 
of man ! And with what vigilance would the faith- 
ful servant of the Lord watch every movement he 
made, every temper he manifested, every word he 
uttered, lest he should inadvertently put a stumbling- 
block in the way of others, and by any inconsistency 
on his part deter them from embracing a Saviour's 
cause! 

What a tender solicitude also would be felt, that 
His cause might be successfully advocated by the 
most powerful and persuasive of all modes of preach- 
ing Christ, and recommending His Gospel, even by 
such a visible conformity to His image, in all its 
lovely features, as appeals to every heart, with the 
almost irresistible eloquence of a heavenly character, 
and a holy life! 

Now, if the principle of Christian philanthropy 
thus reigned, with paramount ascendency, in every 
believer's breast, prompting this unwearied perse- 
verance in every labour of love for the happiness of 
all to whom his influence can through any channel 
extend, would not his own happiness be advanced, 
in the highest attainable degree, by his aim and ob- 
ject in life being thus continually and closely identi- 
fied with that which drew down the Son of God 
from the Throne of His glory in heaven — which 
animated His every word and work, during the 
period of His pilgrimage on earth — and which still 
engages His heart and voice, in His intercession on 



162 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

behalf of His people, now that He is ascended to the 
right hand of the majesty on high ? Must not this 
identification of purpose with the Saviour's impart 
the purest and most exalted enjoyment to His de- 
voted servant's heart? Must not every effort he 
makes for a fellow-creature's salvation, whether 
crowned with success or not, redound to his own 
happiness, by making him feel that he is, in this 
glorious work, in the sphere of his humble instru- 
mentality, a fellow-labourer with the Lord he loves? 
But who can describe his joy when his labours are 
crowned with the success which his soul so ardently 
covets, and he sees some fellow-sinner rescued from 
the roaring lion's jaws, through his exertions, and 
safely sheltered, for time and'for eternity, in the 
good Shepherd's fold! Oh! surely they have yet 
to learn what true happiness means, who do not 
know that its most congenial habitation here below 
is that Christian's breast, (which is indeed the temple 
of the Holy Ghost,) who is privileged to see such 
a recompense of his labours of love; and to feel that 
he is not merely blest himself with all the ful- 
ness of joy which the smile of a covenant-God can 
bestow, but also made a blessing to others, who will 
love him as their best earthly benefactor, and thank 
God for ail the blessedness he has been instrumental 
in imparting to them, and this not merely while 
fellow-pilgrims in this vale of tears, but when rest- 
ing and rejoicing together on Mount Zion, through 
the endless ages of a blissful eternity! 

Before finally parting from this proof of the fa- 
vourable influence which the religion of the Gospel 
exercises on human happiness, by establishing in the 
heart the dominion of Christian benevolence, I 
observe, that while the highest enjoyment which 
this celestial principle can impart, unquestionably is 
derived from the labours of love which it prompts, 
on behalf of the salvation of immortal souls, still it 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 163 

is the delightful privilege of the truly benevolent 
character to be continually deriving pure pleasure 
from a thousand subordinate sources, to which the 
selfish character never can have access. Not merely 
does the man of Christian benevolence increase the 
amount of his own happiness, by appropriating, as it 
were, all the happiness which he is instrumental in 
imparting to others, and which, by participation, he 
makes his own ; but he actually can add an accession 
to his own enjoyment from all the felicity, which, 
though not in the way of his promoting, he either 
witnesses, or knows to exist, in any region of the 
boundless universe of God. By this means he shares 
in the bliss of all the inhabitants of heaven, while 
he meditates in rapturous vision on all the happiness 
which those blessed beings enjoy, who always live 
and rejoice in the light of the countenance of a pre- 
sent God. By this means he shares in the bliss of 
all on earth, who are walking by faith in the foot- 
steps of the Son of God, and with His peace in their 
hearts, and His smile on their path, are rejoicing in 
the light of His love, and the comfort of the Holy 
Ghost. He cannot see a fellow-Christian in the 
visible possession of that " peace which passeth all 
understanding," and imparts that joy " which is un- 
speakable and full of glory," without becoming a 
partaker of his joy. He cannot witness the pure 
enjoyment which thrills through the bosom of an 
attached and happy family, lighting up every counte- 
nance in the dear domestic circle with the smile of 
love, and filling every heart with the glow of glad- 
ness, without so identifying himself with every re- 
joicing member of the group, — catching, as it were, 
by the power of sympathy, the infection of the at- 
mosphere of bliss, which breathes around him, that 
the happiness of all that encircle him becomes in a 
measure his own; and he feels, by delightful experi- 
ence, how sweet it is to comply with the apostolical 



164 



THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 



injunction which exhorts him to "rejoice with them 
that do rejoice," for he finds that by so doing he is 
himself replenished with the purest joy. 

Yea, and further still — the contemplation of the 
happiness even of the animal creation imparts plea- 
sure to a benevolent heart. When the benevolent 
man walks through the fields of nature, in the glad- 
some spring, when all around is awaking from the 
sleep of winter to re-animated life, and the spirit of 
joyousness is abroad, how readily does his bosom 
respond to the voice of gladness that salutes his ear 
on every side — and his spirit within him sympa- 
thizes with the spirit of the season, and joins in na- 
ture's song of cheerfulness and praise. There is 
not a warbler that pours forth its thrilling melody, 
in the overflowings of a joy so exhilarating that it 
cannot keep silence, but tunes his heart to a respon- 
sive joy. There is not a rejoicing creature in the 
wide-spread scenery around them, from the sprightly 
courser that flies across the field in uncontrollable 
buoyancy of spirit, to the fluttering insect that dances 
gaily in the sunbeam, which does not send a thrill of 
gladness into his benevolent breast. He delights to 
contemplate these unanswerable demonstrations of 
the benignity of the Creator. He luxuriates in the 
enjoyment of these convincing proofs, that the go- 
vernment of the world is in the hands of a Being 
who rejoices in the diffusion of happiness. And 
while from all that meets his view, or salutes his 
ears, he seems to hear a voice which testifies that 
"God is love" — his spirit becomes so attuned to 
the Spirit of God, that he drinks in the purest plea- 
sure from every sight and sound of gladness of 
which our world (clouded and saddened as it has 
been by the fall) is still so full. 

Now surely when we cast a retrospective glance 
at w T hat we have thus exhibited in the way of con- 
trast, between the passions and principles which 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS, 



165 



Christianity eradicates, and those which she im- 
plants; and especially between the spirit of selfish- 
ness and the spirit of Christian benevolence — when 
we contemplate the contracted sphere within which 
the enjoyments of the one are confined, and the 
boundless range of blessedness through which 
the other expatiates — the tormenting passions to 
which the one is allied, and the godlike affections 
with which the other is linked — the solitary chan- 
nel in which the unhallowed gratification of the 
one flows, and the ten thousand tributary streams 
from the joys of all the happy creatures in heaven 
and on earth that are continually swelling the full 
tide of the holy happiness of the other — surely we 
cannot hesitate to acknowledge, that by implanting 
and cherishing the spirit of Christian benevolence 
as a master-passion of the Christian's heart, a reign- 
ing principle of the Christian's life, the Gospel does 
indeed, in the fullest degree, promote the true hap- 
piness of man. 

And here, before closing this very imperfect 
sketch of those features of the Saviour's character, 
conformity to which tends so directly to the ad- 
vancement of human happiness, one might advert to 
other most attractive ones — such as that unspotted 
purity which shrank with the instinctive recoil of 
perfect holiness from the defiling touch of sin — that 
constant self-denial which is so touchingly alluded 
to in the affecting exclamation of the apostle, " He 
pleased not Himself" — that unswerving love of 
truth which would not stoop (were it to gain the 
whole world) to the guilt of falsehood or the mean- 
ness of equivocation — that uncompromising fidelity 
which no temptation could induce to betray a trust, 
no danger deter from discharging a duty — that un- 
quenchable zeal for the glory of God which boldly 
rebuked the hypocrisy and pride of the Scribes and 
Pharisees, and which no difficulties could damp, no 
15 



166 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

sufferings check, no terrors chill — combined with 
that patient endurance of personal insult which 
when He was reviled, reviled not again, but opposed 
meekness to wrath, and silence to imprecation — that 
exquisite tenderness of filial affection, and that ex- 
alted tone of generous disinterestedness which made 
the Son of God in His human nature, the loveliest 
pattern of a son, and of a friend ! All these I 
might advert to; and show, in regard to each, that 
just in proportion as any character more closely 
resembled the Redeemer's, it would in that very 
proportion, advance in the path of true happiness. 
But as this would lead me to too great a length, and 
several of these features have been, or will be, inci- 
dentally alluded to, I would rather close with that 
feature to which we have in this chapter adverted 
— that feature in which the very essence of His na- 
ture and character consists, and conformity to which 
is so essential for the participation of His happiness 
— His generous, devoted, self-sacrificing love ! 

Study, dear Christian reader, study the Saviour's 
character, more especially in this, its most attractive 
aspect. Seek to imbibe, above all, His spirit of 
overflowing love ! Let your every look be illu- 
mined by its radiance — your every word be attuned 
to its tenderness — your every temper be cast in its 
mould — and your every action regulated by its laws ! 
Let love like His be the very soul of your soul — 
the animating and presiding spirit in which you live, 
and move, and have your being ! 

Such love is, indeed, the fulfilling of the law. It 
will lead you to delight, as He did, in all those little 
offices of kindness, by which you may minister to 
the comfort and happiness of the members of the 
domestic or social circle, as well as to labour un- 
weariedly for the salvation of their immortal souls ! 
It will lead you, like Him, to sympathize in all the 
sorrows of the children of affliction, and to feel such 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 167 

sweet pleasure, as He did, in "wiping away the or- 
phan's tears, and making the widow's heart to sing 
for joy !" It will lead you, when meeting with un- 
just and unkind reproaches or irritating insinuations, 
like Him, to receive them with meek silence, or to 
reply to them with the "soft answer which turneth 
away wrath." It will lead you, like Him, when 
wounded by the want of sympathy in your sorrows 
on the part of those friends in whom you have trust- 
ed, and to whom you have looked for comfort in 
your hour of affliction, to invent some extenuating 
excuse for their unkindness — to say — " The spirit 
is willing, but the flesh is weak !" 

Oh! such a temper as this will make you blessed 
in yourself, and a blessing to all around ! Breath- 
ing yourself in an atmosphere of love, you will dif- 
fuse that atmosphere wherever you go ! Your 
presence will have a tranquillizing and a gladdening 
influence in whatever circle of society you move ! 
Many a mistake which has alienated friends will 
you rectify — many a family breach repair! And 
when you see friends reconciled, and families re- 
united, through the blessing of the God of peace on 
your mediation, you will understand what the Prince 
of Peace meant when He said—" Blessed are the 
peace-makers, for they shall be called the children 
of God!" 

Dear Christian reader, will you not strive to realize 
all the beauty and blessedness of suGh a character as 
this? Oh ! then, be much in contemplation of the 
Saviour's. Study it carefully. Watch its every 
movement. Gaze with intense scrutiny on its every 
feature. Follow Him from place to place. Mark 
His deportment in every situation. Stride to catch, 
as it were, the very expression of His countenance 
— the verjr tone of His voice. Often view Him in 
those scenes where all the tenderness of His character 
is displayed ; — folding the infants in his arms — 



168 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

weeping over His beloved Jerusalem, or at the grave 
of Lazarus — comforting the widow of Nain — do- 
mesticated with the family of Bethany — pouring 
out His soul, even when the hour of His agony 
was just at hand, in words of comfort and prayer for 
support for those very disciples who, at the moment 
He was thus engaged, He knew would all forsake 
Him, in His deep distress. Picture Him turning 
and looking on Peter with that overpowering look 
of reproachful love; or, in the garden of Gethsemane, 
suggesting a merciful excuse for His disciples' sleep; 
or sending that message of love — "Tell my brethren, 
tell Peter ?' or asking that apostle, who had thrice 
denied Him, the heart-touching question — " Lovest 
thou Me?" or parting from His beloved disciples in 
the act of blessing them ! Who can think of all this, 
and forbear to join in the exclamation of the pious 
Doddridge — •" Compassionate Saviour, who would 
not love Thee ?" Think, too, of the test He gave, 
by which all men were to know His disciples — "By 
this, if ye have love one to another ;" and how 
beautifully it was displayed in the primitive church, 
when even the heathen were constrained admiringly 
to cry out — "Behold how these Christians love one 
another!" Read over and over His prayer for unity 
among all that love Him, as recorded in the seven- 
teenth chapter of St. John. Remember ivhen that 
prayer was offered up ! Let the gospel and epistles 
of the beloved disciple be frequently perused. Study 
the thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians. Study 
it in your closet. Study it on your knees; till the 
very spirit of it is infused into your soul, and all 
your feelings, and words, and actions, are fully im- 
pregnate^ with that charity, that divine love, with- 
out which all other gifts and graces,howeversplendid 
or dazzling in the eyes of man, in the sight of God 
« — are nothing worth. 

But, above all, remember, that in every effort to 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 169 

attain to conformity to the Saviour's character, you 
will meet the most determined opposition from that 
malignant enemy of your soul who, in his fiendish 
hatred, dreads nothing more than to see you ad- 
vancing in resemblance to the Redeemer's image; 
and will, therefore, employ all his subtlety, as the 
wily serpent, and all his strength, as the roaring 
lion, to hinder your progress. He cares compara- 
tively little what advances you may make in head- 
knowledge or lip-service ; but heart-religion — prac- 
tical godliness — real conformity to the Saviour's 
character, this he does dread, because he knows, by 
his own experience, that this alone can promote 
either your true happiness or the glory of your God. 
To hinder this he will adopt every method that the 
ingenuity of his subtle mind, aided by the resources 
of his mighty intellect, and the experience of above 
six thousand years, can suggest. He will watch 
every spark of corruption in your heart, and strive 
to fan it into a flame. He will adapt his temptations 
to your besetting sin, to foster it into full develop- 
ment; and thus sully the Saviour's image in your 
soul, and rob it of its purity, peace, and joy. He 
will endeavour to bring a blight on all the means ot 
grace, by breathing a spirit of formality over all the 
divine ordinances. He will seek to induce you to 
engage in prayer with heartlessness; to read the 
scriptures with inattention ; to listen to the word 
preached in a critical and cavilling spirit; to attend 
the services of the Sabbath without prayerfulness or 
profit; and even to approach the sacramental table 
without deepened desire for, or delight in, devout 
communion with the Lord. Or, if he cannot suc- 
ceed in this, he will try an opposite plan. If he 
cannot make you neglect the means of grace, he will 
strive to make you overvalue them, by substituting 
them in the Saviour's place, regarding them as foun- 
tains of living water in themselves, instead of merely 
15* 



170 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

channels through which the Holy Spirit conveys 
the communications of his grace from the divine and 
inexhaustible fountain above. He will endeavour 
to enlist into his service your dearest friends ; pro- 
vide suitable snares for every faculty; and mix his 
poison with every spiritual gift and grace. He will 
convey his temptations through the channels which 
you least suspect, and which will give them the 
greatest influence. He will strive to pollute the 
imagination, to sensualize the appetites, to bewilder 
the reason with perplexing difficulties in the deep 
things of God, and to cloud the understanding with 
darkened views of divine truth; to inflame the pas- 
sions into uncontrollable excitement, and to pervert 
the judgment into an erroneous estimate of the 
claims of conflicting duties, and the character of 
questionable pleasures and pursuits; to suggest hard 
thoughts of God, or high thoughts of yourself; in a 
word, to exciteevery sinful, and to chill every gracious 
affection. He will endeavour to urge every Christian 
virtue to a sinful extreme— to push humility into 
distrust, and confidence into presumption ; circum- 
spection into cowardice, and decision into dogma- 
tism ; prudence into parsimony, and generosity into 
profusion. Pie will strive to mingle bitterness with 
your zeal, if he cannot damp it; and if he cannot 
check your charity, to spoil it by ostentation — to 
turn your cheerfulness into levity, and your serious- 
ness into gloom — to make devotedness and mortifi- 
cation minister to self-righteousness, and spirituality 
itself to feed spiritual pride. If you are of a softer 
temperament, he will seek to entice you into volup- 
tuousness — if of a tenderer, into idolatrous attach- 
ment — if of a warmer, into enthusiasm or bigotry — 
if of a sterner, into ambition or revenge. He will 
furnish appropriate excitements for every sinful de- 
sire, and pursue you with his vile suggestions into 
every situation and scene. In society or solitude, 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 171 

in business or recreation, in meditation or reading, 
in secular or in spiritual occupations, you are alike 
exposed to his assaults. And above all, he will de- 
light to persuade you into the indulgence, or to pro- 
voke you into the exhibition, of tempers and dispo- 
sitions at variance with the Spirit of Christ, because 
he will thus at once lead you to destroy your own 
peace of mind, and to dishonour the Saviour that 
you love. And when he sees you thus indulging 
or displaying a proud or an impure, an ambitious or 
an envious spirit, or hears you using uncharitable, 
unkind, or any form of unchristian expressions, with 
what fiendish malignity will this accursed spirit re- 
joice ! 

Only think into what sins Satan has seduced the 
children of men — ay, and even the children of God, 
in every age ! 

It was he who seduced (we have reason' to be- 
lieve) his fellow-angels into rebellion against the 
authority of God ; and our first parents into disobe- 
dience to that sole command on which hung sus- 
pended the destiny of the human race. It was he 
who seduced Cain into shedding a brother's blood 
— Noah into drunkenness — Abraham into equivo- 
cation — Jacob into falsehood — the Patriarchs into 
envy — David into adultery and murder — Saul into 
suicide — Solomon into idolatry — Hezekiah into 
vain-glory ; and made the history of God's favoured 
people a continued history of rebellion, ingratitude, 
idolatry,and crime. And under the Christian dispen- 
sation, how fearful are the examples of the crimes he 
has prompted, and the ruin he has wrought ! It was 
he who tempted the Jewish people to reject their own 
Messiah, and their priests and rulers to imbrue their 
hands in his blood. It was he who prompted the 
appalling cry, "Crucify Him — crucify Him!" — 
and the fearful choice, "Not this man, but Barab- 
bas!" It was he who tempted the apostles to de- 



172 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

sire earthly pomp, and to dispute about pre-emi- 
nence — who persuaded them all to forsake, and Peter 
to deny, the Saviour — Judas to betray the Son of 
man, and then in despair to plunge into hell — and 
Ananias to lie to the Holy Ghost. In a word, all 
the inconsistencies in character and conduct that 
disfigure the Christian, and all the corruptions and 
divisions that defile and distract the Church, may be 
traced to the agency of this Evil Spirit, acting on 
the depravity of our fallen nature ; — whether it be 
the self-righteousness of Pharisaism, or the ungod- 
liness of Antinomianism ; whether that awful heresy 
which denies the divinity and atonement of the Son 
of God, and the personality and Godhead of the 
Holy Spirit; or that (as we doubt not Satan himself 
regards it) — that master-piece of Satanic skill, Po- 
pery, which (oh ! surpassing proof of his power !) he 
is now successively urging some "even of her own 
ministers to introduce into the very bosom of our 
scriptural church, which has recorded in her arti- 
cles the most solemn protest against its soul-destroy- 
ing errors; and on whose portals is legibly written 
the inscription, "No peace with Rome!" 

Oh! think, believer, what must be the subtlety 
and the permitted power of Satan, when he has been 
enabled to accomplish such a work as this! Ay, 
and as he dared to tempt the Son of God himself, in 
the days of his flesh, to fall down and worship him, 
so will he dare, when loosed from prison, after the 
thousand years of his confinement, to renew, with 
unabated rage, his impious assaults against the camp 
of the saints, the beloved city; and to lead on the 
kings of the earth to the battle against the Lord 
God Almighty ! With this tremendous antagonist, 
this god of this world, as in scripture "he is styled, 
you have to contend in your spiritual warfare. Yes, 
you have to wrestle not merely with "flesh and 
blood," your own innate corruption, and your sin- 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 173 

ful fellow-men, but also "with principalities and 
powers" of indeed appalling subtlety and strength. 
With them you must contest every inch of ground, 
in striving for the prize of your high calling, in 
Christ Jesus, even a perfect conformity to his divine 
character. Surely, then, if you do indeed desire to 
be victorious in this conflict — if you would ever hope 
to reflect your Redeemer's image, in the beauty of 
perfect holiness, you cannot but feel convinced that 
you must take the whole armour of God.* Espe- 
cially you must use the weapon which your Divine 
Master used in his conflict with Satan on the mount 
of temptation, " the sword of the Spirit, which is 
the word of God." You must wield this courage- 
ousty, in the strength of the Captain of your sal- 
vation. You must " watch and pray," lest you be 
insnared by the subtlety of your wily adversary,! 
and so enter into temptation. And above all, you 
must ever remember that you can only conquer by 
having Omnipotence enlisted on your behalf; since, 
from Satan's strength, and your own helplessness, 
in carrying on this process of assimilation to the 
divine character, a power superior to Satan's is in- 
dispensably required. While, therefore, you em- 
ploy, faithfully and diligently, all the means I have 

* The Christian warrior will find most valuable directions, as to the 
use of this armour, in Gurnall's excellent work on the subject ; and a 
precious extract from Simeon's works, entitled, " The Christian's Ar- 
mour." 

t What a fearful view of this adversary and his incessant watchful- 
ness for our destruction is presented in the following extract from Si- 
meon's " Christian's Armour !" 

" The very instant we begin to seek heavenly things, all hell is in 
alarm. If we begin to listen to the word of God, he will send some 
emissary, some child of his, whom he has endued with peculiar subtlety, 
to turn us from the faith. If the word, like good seed, be sown upon 
our hearts, he will send a host of devils, like birds of the air, to pick up 
the seed. If any, in spite of his efforts, take root in our hearts, he will 
instantly sow tares to grow up with the wheat, and thorns to choke it. 
We cannot go into fne presence of God to pray, but ' Satan will be at 
our right hand to resist us.' " 



174 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

pointed out, if ever you would succeed, be earnest, 
be unwearied in prayer, that the power of the Holy 
Spirit (which alone can vanquish Satan's) may 
abidingly rest upon you; and, by imparting to you 
his own nature, make you indeed like-minded with 
Christ. It is only by this blessed Spirit taking up 
his abode in your heart, and bringing all its affec- 
tions under his sweet influence, that you can be con- 
formed in love to the character of the Son of God. 
This Spirit must make your inmost soul his shrine, 
must sway his sceptre over every passion, every 
principle that rules within, if you would, indeed, in 
the happiest sense of the words, be" one with Christ." 
It is only in the bosom where this dove-like Spirit 
dwells that such love as dwelt in the Saviour's bo- 
som can abide. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of 
love. All his names, all his characters, all his of- 
fices, bespeak him such. His titles, what are they ? 
The Spirit of peace, of consolation, of joy— the Com- 
forter. His fruits, what are they ? Joy, peace, gen- 
tleness, meekness, love. His office, what is it ? To 
train you up as a child of a God of love — to make 
you the recipient and reflector of a Saviour's love — 
to prepare you for a world of everlasting love. Oh ! 
love this Spirit with a pure heart, fervently. Che- 
rish his gentle influences. Listen to his softest 
whispers. Trace his footsteps in the word of God, 
where his inspiration breathes in every line. Trea- 
sure up the precepts on this point which he has 
there recorded, and which he alone can enable you 
to obey. " Be kindly affectioned one to another, 
with brotherly love. Be followers of God, as dear 
children, and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved 
us. Put on, therefore, as the elect of God, holy and 
beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness 
of mind, meekness, long-suffering; forbearing one 
another, and forgiving one another. If any man 
have a quarrel against any, even as Christ forgave 



OP TRUE HAPPINESS. 



175 



you, so also do ye." Beseech of the Holy Spirit 
to adorn you with these lovely graces, to give you 
the genuine stamp of Christ's disciples, legibly im- 
pressed on all you think, and say, and do. Never 
study the Saviour's character without special prayer 
that the Holy Spirit will conform yours to his, in 
all its divine features. 

Walk in the Spirit — in the fellowship of the 
Spirit. Beware of provoking him. He is a pure 
Spirit. Shun all polluting indulgences, if you would 
have him to dwell in your soul. Nothing more 
grieves the Holy Spirit, or unfits the soul for com- 
munion with a holy God, than the indulgence of 
impure thoughts or desires. " Blessed are the pure 
in heart, for they shall see God." He is the Spirit 
of peace. The harbouring of angry passions will 
drive him away. His still small voice cannot be 
heard amidst the storms of passions; therefore "let 
all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, 
and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all 
malice; and be ye kind one to another, tender- 
hearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for 
Christ's sake, hath forgiven you." He is a loving 
Spirit. He will not dwell in a heart where unkind- 
ness, and hatred, and envy, and jealousy are allowed 
to reside. If you wish him as your guest, you 
must banish these ; or rather, you must beseech of 
him, by his almighty power, to drive them out. 
Thus honour this Spirit by dependence on his power, 
by obedience to his suggestions, by prayer for his 
grace, and by habitual fellowship with him, in all 
the ordinances he has appointed, and all the paths 
he has prescribed; and then may you hope, that 
through his omnipotent energy, your character will 
every day become more closely assimilated to the Sa- 
viour's; and consequently, your happiness every day 
become more closely identified with his, while hea- 
ven will appear more and more attractive in your 



176 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

eyes, from the delightful anticipation that there, 
" seeing him as he is, face to face, you shall be like 
him v — your resemblance to the Redeemer's image, 
unsullied by a single stain of sin, reflected, in all the 
beauty of perfect holiness, without the least distor- 
tion or defilement, in the pure mirror of your glo- 
rified soul ! 



CHAPTER XL 

CHRISTIAN CHEERFULNESS. 

The fifth ground on which I propose to rest the 
proof of the claims of the gospel to be considered 
as the patroness of true happiness, is, that it sancti- 
fies and thus sweetens every source of rational 
pleasure; and forbids only those indulgences, which 
are at once disgraceful in themselves, and destruc- 
tive of the real welfare and happiness of mankind, 
both temporal and eternal. 

In entering on this part of our subject, I would 
consider it an insult on the understanding of my 
readers, to engage in any laboured or lengthened 
train of reasoning to prove that the religion of the 
gospel is not unfriendly to human happiness, because 
it discourages, by the most awful denunciations of 
the divine displeasure, drunkenness, debauchery, 
and all those polluting and debasing gratifications, 
which degrade man, originally created in the image 
of God, immeasurably below the level of the beasts 
that perish. Surely it were worse than a waste of 
time to spend any portion of it in deliberate proof, 
that true happiness cannot be the portion of the 
brutalized drunkard; who, with suicidal hand, has 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



177 



blotted out from his soul every lingering trace of 
the divine image, in which man at first was formed; 
and who, whether in the disgusting absurdities of 
the idiot, or the diabolical ravings of the maniac, 
presents perhaps the most contemptible and loath- 
some spectacle that degraded humanity can display! 
Nor would it be a more profitable employment of 
our time, to expend it in any laborious process of 
demonstration, that happiness, in any worthy sense 
of the word," cannot be the inmate of that breast 
where there burns the fire of lust. For whatever 
may be the grovelling gratifications, in which this 
accursed passion prompts its unhallowed victim to 
indulge, they must be attended with consequences, 
so necessarily destructive of all true peace of mind, 
all rational and elevated enjoyment, that, even were 
there no future hell of endless torments, the wretch 
who is enslaved to the lusts of the flesh, must carry 
within him a hell from whose tormenting power he 
cannot by any efforts escape. The consciousness of 
self-degradation, that inflicts on him the bitter an- 
guish of self-contempt, which, though he may con- 
ceal, he cannot stifle — the fear of future punishment, 
which, though he may brave, he cannot extinguish 
— the alienation of the affections of all the good — 
the disgraceful distinction of being claimed as a 
kindred spirit by all the abandoned — a diseased 
body — an enfeebled mind — an accusing conscience — 
an angry God — the tyranny of tormenting passions, 
which indulgence only inflames — the agony of re- 
morse — and a death-bed of despair — such are the 
fearful concomitants of what is called a life of plea- 
sure! Such are the legible tokens of the wrath of 
God, by which He has stamped His curse on the 
sinful indulgence of the lusts of the flesh! And is 
it needful then to prove, that those who are thus 
branded with His curse, cannot be truly happy — or 
that the path on which His frown so darkly falls, 
16 



17S THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

cannot lead to true and satisfying enjoyment? No ! 
no! The slave of sensual lusts must be miserable, 
whatever form the sinful indulgence of unhallowed 
desire may assume — whether that of the cold-blooded 
seducer, who, not content with blighting the tem- 
poral welfare of his confiding victim, murders her 
immortal soul, and plunges her into the abyss of a 
ruined eternity — or that of the reckless debauchee, 
who riots in the unutterable abominations of unre- 
strained libertinism, till his very look is licentious- 
ness, and his very breath is pollution, and his loath- 
some body becomes a charnel-house of corruption 
. — or that of the heartless adulterer, who, for his 
own vile gratification, is content to inflict on his 
fellow-man the deadliest injury in his power to per- 
petrate; to drag the victim of his accursed passion 
with himself into the gulf of infamy and eternal 
wo; and to destroy the happiness of a family 
where, but for his diabolical depravity, peace might 
have reigned undisturbed ! Oh ! is it to be supposed, 
that such base, and cruel, and perfidious characters 
as these can enjoy one moment of true happiness? 
Is it to be supposed, that a righteous God will per- 
mit them, with an untrembling step, and a heart at 
peace within itself, to brave His vengeance, while 
treading the path of such complicated guilt, which 
is leading them to that lake of fire where, if they 
perish in their sins, He will repay them for all their 
daring affronts to His laws, with an eternity of 
well-merited wrath and wo? Let one testimony 
on this subject suffice. The celebrated Colonel 
Gardiner tried the experiment of finding happiness 
in such gratifications, under circumstances the most 
favourable — and, in the estimation of his compa- 
nions in profligacy, so successfully, that he was dis- 
tinguished by the title of " the happy rake." Yet 
afterwards, when by a miracle of divine grace, he 
was recovered from his sinful career, he confessed 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



179 



to Doctor Doddridge, that at the very time he was 
thus envied by his companions, he himself envied 
the very brutes that perish; for that once, while he 
was thus congratulated on his success, on seeing a 
dog come into the room, he said to himself — " Oh, 
that I ivere that dog!" Is not this testimony 
sufficient to prove the truth of that solemn declara- 
tion of Jehovah — "There is no peace, saith my 
God, to the wicked?" And assuredly the seducer, 
the adulterer, the debauchee, are pre-eminently 
such. And if their torments be often so intolerable 
even here, what will they be in a world where 
these accursed passions will rage with uncontrolled 
fury, burning with an unsatiable desire for gratifi- 
cation, which can never be obtained; and scorching 
the lost soul with a fiery thirst, that never can be 
quenched? Oh! what indescribable, what incon- 
ceivable agony, will the unceasing torture of tyran- 
nizing passions inflict, fearfully aggravated by the 
taunts, sneers, and scoffings of the evil spirits that 
seduced them into sin! 

Leaving, then, all these, and all similar sources 
of debasing and polluted gratification, out of the 
question, as altogether unworthy even of a rational, 
not to say an enlightened and spiritual taste, we 
would fearlessly fling abroad a challenge to the ene- 
my of Christianity, and defy him to produce a sin- 
gle source of enjoyment, which even reason, inde- 
pendently of revelation, would sanction,, and yet 
which the gospel forbids. Yea! farther, we would 
defy him to produce one which the gospel does not 
explicitly sanction — and, even more, by sanctifying, 
additionally sweeten. So that it is not saying too 
much, to say, that the Christian beats the worldling 
hollow even on his own ground — that is, in refe- 
rence to those enjoyments of which the Christian 
and the worldling partake in common. For it is 
beyond all controversy, that the Christian has a 



ISO THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

much sweeter enjoyment than the worldling, even 
of those pleasures which are equally within the 
reach of both — independently of those immeasura- 
bly more exalted and satisfying pleasures, of which 
we have already spoken, as the exclusive portion of 
the children of God. Many circumstances concur 
to give the Christian this advantage over the world- 
ling, in the enjoyment even of those pleasures of 
which both can alike partake. There is the feeling 
of gratitude to God, as their Giver, which infuses a 
large measure of additional sweetness into them all, 
with him who receives them as the tokens of a 
Father's love. There is the smile of a beloved 
Saviour, which gilds with additional brightness 
every scene of purified earthly bliss. 

There is the consciousness, that those inferior 
pleasures, which are all so liable to casualty, de- 
clension, and decay — so exposed to innumerable 
perils — and the tenure of whose possession is so 
deplorably insecure, are not the chief sources of the 
Christian's happiness; so that he may lose them all, 
and yet not lose the essential elements of his high- 
est enjoyment, which, as it comes direct from God, 
cannot be intercepted or alloyed by any of the acci- 
dents or afflictions of this lower world. 

I dwell the more willingly on this view of our 
subject, because I know of what importance it is, 
especially to the young, not to have the religion 
of the gospel unjustly invested with a repulsive 
aspect, as if it frowned in sullen displeasure on 
every source of earthly enjoyment which is conge- 
nial to our nature, and adapted to the ardent aspi- 
rations after happiness which God has Himself 
implanted in the youthful heart. I cannot indeed 
conceive a view of the character of God, more for- 
bidding in itself, or more opposed to the delineation 
of His nature, contained in His revealed word, than 
to represent Him as placing His children in a World, 



OP TRUE HAPPINESS. 181 

where He has encompassed them with so many 
sources of enjoyment, and then commanding them 
with a stern frown, to abstain from them all. No! 
no! This is not the scriptural view of the charac- 
ter of that God, who, in that brief but most beauti- 
ful delineation, which contains volumes in the com- 
pass of a single sentence, is declared to be love. 
He does not set His children down to a richly fur- 
nished banquet, where with munificent bounty He 
has provided a vast variety of delights, to gladden 
every sense — and then, when they stretch forth 
their hand to take of what His goodness has set be- 
fore them, cry out to them, with a threatening tone, 
" Touch not — taste not — or ye die." 

He does indeed (and it is in the overflowings of 
His love that He does) thus warn them to abstain 
from all debasing or defiling pleasures, which 
would spoil their relish for the divine enjoyment 
that flows from communion with Himself; and He 
does (and it is in the fondness of a Father's love) 
command them to partake, with sober and self- 
denying temperance, of the purest earthly plea- 
sures which His bounty has provided. 

But He does not forbid a temperate and thankful 
enjoyment of the manifold blessings which, with 
such a lavish hand of love, He has scattered in our 
path. He does not tantalize us with the tempting 
display of a banquet which he forbids us, even with 
a sober and a sanctified temperance, to taste. Why 
has He so " clothed this world with beauty for re- 
bellious man?" Why has He so replenished it 
with the tokens of His loving-kindness? Why 
has He so plentifully furnished it with contrivances 
for our comfort, and stamped the impress of His 
benevolence on every object that meets our view? 
Why has He made every sense an avenue to enjoy- 
ment, and then encompassed us with materials to 
minister to the gratification of them all? What 
16* 



182 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

mean the charms of nature's scenery — the lovely 
tints that beautify the face of creation — the flowers 
that gladden our path — the fruits that gratify our 
taste? What means the smile that sparkles on the 
cheek of infancy — the glee of childhood — the bound- 
ing elasticity of youth — the glance of intellect — the 
glow of affection — the sympathies of friendship — • 
the endearments of love? What mean the sacred 
ties of home, where heart responds to heart in sweet 
and sacred unison, that makes a happy and a hal- 
lowed home a very miniature of heaven? Oh! 
what mean all these, what can they mean, but that 
He who is love delights in the happiness of His 
children, and has exercised the ingenuity of His 
divine wisdom in contrivances for their enjoyment, 
so multiplied and so diversified, that if they will 
only seek it in the paths He has prescribed, and 
enjoy it in the spirit He has sanctioned, pure plea- 
sure will spring up before them, and around them, 
at every step they take! Yes! to His grateful and 
obedient children, who walk in the light of His 
countenance, this world, ay, this wilderness world, 
wears the smiling aspect of a paradise restored — 
"joy and gladness are found therein — thanksgiving 
and the voice of melody !' ? Walk where they will, 
with His smile gilding all the scenery around, and 
His voice breathing bliss, their ways are indeed 
" ways of pleasantness, and all their paths are peace." 
I do not forget, that ever since the fall, sin has 
mingled its poison with every, even the purest plea- 
sures of earth; and that the Christian requires the 
most constant watchfulness, lest he be insnared by 
even allowable enjoyments; lest his heart, instead 
of being drawn closer to the Giver, in the bonds of 
grateful affection, by the gifts of His bounty, should 
be enticed by them into an idolatrous attachment to 
the things seen and temporal; and, instead of being 
attracted heavenward by the purified happiness of 



OP TRUE HAPPINESS. 



183 



earth, should thereby be chained down to this lower 
world, and be but too well disposed here to take up 
its rest. I am aware of all this — and of the neces- 
sity to which it gives birth, of unslumbering vigi- 
lance, and jealous circumspection, and fervent prayer, 
on the Christian's part, lest even things lawful should 
prove a snare and a binderance to his spiritual ad- 
vancement; and he should be tempted, like the dove 
of old, when the waters of the deluge were abated, 
and the world once more looked green and smiling, 
to linger amidst its well-loved scenes, and return to 
the ark no more. And therefore is it, I doubt not, 
that a loving Father so often sends afflictions, as the 
tokens of His watchful tenderness to the children of 
His love. Therefore is it that, like the eagle with 
its little ones, He so often shakes and disturbs their 
earthly resting-place, when He sees them too prone 
to nestle there, and forget to wing their heavenward 
flight. Therefore is it, that when their affections 
are beginning to cleave too closely to earth, He cuts 
asunder some of the strongest ties which link them 
to it — and dries up some of its sweetest springs of 
earthly bliss, only that their thirst may be quick- 
ened for the infinitely sweeter draught of heavenly 
joy, which Himself, " the fountain of living waters," 
can alone supply. But while I fully admit the in- 
dispensable necessity for continued circumspection, 
and a holy self-denying moderation, in the enjoy- 
ment of even the purest pleasures of an earthly 
stamp; and while I freely acknowledge that the 
child of God, conscious that there is a traitor in his 
heart, ever ready to betray him to the assaults of 
Satan, whose most dangerous temptations often come 
through the channel of lawful pursuits and pleasures, 
will be always on his guard, and " watch unto pray- 
er," lest in the midst of the most innocent indul- 
gences "he enter into temptation," still I contend 
that with all this watchfulness, prayerful ness, and 



184 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

self-denying moderation, the Christian has alto- 
gether the advantage over the worldling, in the en- 
joyment of the happiness which springs from every 
purer earthly source. And I contend also, that, when 
thus enjoyed, and found by experience to be a means 
of attracting, as it ought ever to do, the Christian's 
heart Godward and heavenward, such happiness is 
not merely not forbidden by a gracious God, but 
should be regarded as His bounteous gift, designed 
to deepen the gratitude of His children, and thus to 
increase their delight in His service on earth, and 
their desire for His presence in heaven. 

In truth, let but the love of God maintain its right- 
ful supremacy in the heart; let but His glory be 
abidingly regarded as the paramount object of the 
life; let but the smile of His countenance, and the 
enjoyment of His presence, be desired and pursued, 
as the chief happiness for which the spirit thirsts; 
and then the subordinate enjoyment, flowing from 
every legitimate earthly source, sanctified by His 
Spirit, and sweetened by His smile, may not only 
be safely indulged in, but will even assist the be- 
liever's growth in grace and meetness for heaven, 
by attuning his heart to the spirit of grateful glad- 
ness, and his lips to the song of thankful praise. We 
therefore contend that it is the privilege of the Chris- 
tian pilgrim to tread his heavenward path with a so- 
ber, indeed, but not a mournful spirit — with a cir- 
cumspect, but not a saddened step — with a thought- 
ful, but not a melancholy countenance. Yea, so far 
from this, we would say, that he deeply wrongs his 
high and holy calling, the precious privileges he en- 
jo}^s, and the glorious destiny that awaits him, if his 
spirit have not that holy gladness, and his step that 
buoyant tread, and his countenance that contented 
smile which befit an heir of God— a traveller to the 
skies — and which would glorify God, by proclaim- 
ing to all around, that he was happy in the choice 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 1S5 

lie had made, of God for his portion, and heaven for 
his home — that the peace of God is indeed a pearl 
of great price — that the service of the Saviour is a 
light and pleasant yoke — and that the prospect of 
eternal glory sheds, to the eye of the child of God, 
a halo of celestial splendour round every purified 
enjoyment which this world can supply. Surely, 
then, the Christian may well leave it to the world- 
ling to travel on with fainting heart and fearful step, 
to meet an insulted and angry God, and plunge into 
an unknown, a dreadful eternity! Indeed I cannot 
hut feel it to be the bounden duty of every real Chris- 
tian, to recommend the service of his beloved Sa- 
viour, by the exhibition, even in his outward de- 
portment, of the inward peace and happiness which 
that service is designed and pre-eminently fitted to 
inspire. Thus will he do all in his power to con- 
tradict the libel which the world pronounces on the 
religion of the gospel, by thus removing the erro- 
neous impression that the Saviour's is a melancholy 
service, and representing it in its genuine character 
of holy cheerfulness, peace, and joy. Nothing would 
tend more attractively to win the affections of the 
young to that blessed service, than to witness in the 
demeanour of its most devoted followers an abiding 
cheerfulness and contentment, which would pro- 
claim, more persuasively than the most eloquent 
language, that they had found solid and satisfying 
peace. The worldling can know nothing of the hap- 
piness which the Christian enjoys in the secrecy of 
his chamber, when he goes up to the mount of trans- 
figuration, in holy communion with his Father in 
heaven; but he can see the light of holy gladness, 
sparkling on his countenance, which, as he comes 
down from the mount, that communion ought ever 
to leave shining there. And this would constrain 
him to believe, that the real Christian must have 
discovered the secret of true happiness, as he appears 



186 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

to be in possession of a source of cheerfulness which 
sorrow cannot darken, nor even death destroy. 

Let the child of God then keep the tears which 
the agonizing struggle with indwelling sin, or the 
bitter consciousness of ingratitude to his God, will 
often wring from him — let him keep these for his 
hours of devout intercourse with that pitying Father, 
who will understand his sorrow, and gently wipe 
these tears away. 15ut let him meet the children of 
the world, in whatever intercourse he is providen- 
tially led to hold with them, with a smile of cheer- 
ful contentment on his countenance, which will tell 
them, in a language that even by them cannot be 
mistaken, that peace is the inmate of the Christian's 
breast. Let the children of God remember, that as 
they are forbidden by the voice of gratitude to walk 
mournfully before the Lord of hosts, it is even more 
urgently required of them, by that same principle, 
not to walk mournfully before their fellow-men, lest 
they should seem to countenance the world's false 
estimate of His service, and allow the people of the 
world to infer, that the Saviour's yoke is (as they 
do not scruple to confess, and practically to prove, 
they think it to be) a galling yoke. 

I have spoken of holy cheerfulness as the charac- 
teristic of the true Christian's deportment, by which 
he would so attractively recommend the gospel and 
glorify his God; because the happiness which has 
taken up its abode in a believer's heart is more 
closely allied to cheerfulness than to mirth. And 
one of the reasons why religion's characters are 
sometimes considered gloomy is, because the world 
mistakes for melancholy that composure of spirit 
which Christian peace imparts; and imagines hap- 
piness to consist in that wild gaiety, or boisterous 
merriment, which, in its estimation, form the dis- 
tinguishing characteristics of true joy. But herein 
the world entirely mistakes the nature of true hap- 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



1S7 



piness, which, in the language of the poet, "is a se- 
rious thing," and wears such an aspect "as folly 
might mistake for want of joy." How often is it 
our own experience, that our gayest are not our hap- 
piest hours — that " in the midst of laughter the heart 
is sad," and that the cheerful smile of placid con- 
tentment is a far surer index of a happy heart than 
the loud laughter of noisy mirth! Christian cheer- 
fulness is the sunshine of the soul, and diffuses a 
bright warm glow of gladdening exhilaration all 
around. Worldly merriment is the lightning-flash, 
sparkling with an evanescent brilliancy, that only 
serves, when its short-lived glare is past, to leave 
the spirit's gloom deeper and darker than before. 
We are not then to wonder that the world often un- 
justly accuses the Christian of melancholy, as it is 
incapable of distinguishing seriousness from sadness; 
and seems to suppose laughter, and gaiety of manner, 
to be the only sure outward and visible signs of in- 
ward joy. 

While, therefore, we would protest against a 
gloomy countenance and a melancholy deportment 
in the children of God, as inconsistent with a Chris- 
tian's high and happy privileges and prospects, and 
calculated to bring discredit on the cause they love, 
we would equally protest against those false criteria 
of happiness which the world sets up; and contend, 
that the Christian is not to be considered gloomy 
because his happiness is of too deep and silent a cha- 
racter to be exhibited in the superficial ebullitions 
of noisy mirth. 

"It is," as Archbishop Leighton says, in his in- 
comparable commentary on St. Peter, " with joys, 
as they say of cares and griefs, < Leves loquuntur; 
irigentes stnpent.' The deepest waters run stillest. 
True joy is a solid, grave thing — dwells more in the 
heart than in the countenance — whereas, on the con- 



188 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

trary, base and false joys are but superficial; skin- 
deep (as we say,) they are all in the face." 

In truth, there is too much of God in a Christian's 
happiness to admit of its being, as to its distinguish- 
ing character, boisterous or mirthful; although "he 
that can say — the righteousness of Jesus Christ is 
mine, and in Him the favour of God, and the hope 
of eternal happiness, hath such a light as can shine 
in the darkest dungeon, yea, in the dark valley of 
the shadow of death itself." There is, indeed, a 
harmless play of wit, unsullied by a tinge of impu- 
ritj^or a breath of unkindness — an innocent exhila- 
ration of spirit, guarded by vigilant self-possession 
from any unsuitable excess. Yea, there may be a 
constitutional vivacity, restrained within due bounds 
by Christian circumspection, in which the most de- 
voted child of God may occasionally indulge. For 
the conflict with sin in his own soul, and the preva- 
lence of ungodliness in the world around him, must, 
at least, should, so dispose his mind to a serious cast 
of character, as to prevent these occasional indul- 
gences of a more lively or playful spirit from be- 
coming habitual, and thus throwing into the shade 
the more exalted characteristics of a child of God. 
Nor do we hesitate to declare, that a believer of such 
a temperament should be much on his guard lest he 
should ever be betrayed into an expression that could 
injure a fellow-Christian's character, or give a Chris- 
tian brother's or sister's heart a moment's pain; or 
lest by a too frequent indulgence in his constitutional 
tendency to vivacity, wit, or humour, a tone of un- 
suitable levity or frivolity should insensibly steal 
over his spirit and deportment; and so at once lower 
the standard of the Christian character in the eyes 
of the world, and prevent his own extended useful- 
ness in the Christian cause. There is also another 
point of view in which the habitual deportment of 
a believer should bear such a decided stamp of hea- 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 189 

venly-mindedness as is altogether inconsistent with 
the habitual indulgence of humour, however harm- 
less; or wit, however inoffensive. "Our conversa- 
tion," says the apostle, " is in heaven." The desire 
of the Christian is to realize, by anticipation and 
fore-taste, as much of the happiness of heaven as can 
be enjoyed on earth. Now it is utterly incompati- 
ble with this desire, or any consistent efforts for its 
accomplishment, habitually to cherish and indulge 
a taste for wit, vivacity, or humour. A heart where 
the aspiration after heavenly happiness was warmly 
felt, where the visions of celestial bliss — of the ful- 
ness of joy in God's presence — of joining with che- 
rubim and seraphim, and all the multitude of the 
redeemed, in the sublime songs and services of the 
upper sanctuary, were abidingly cherished, such a 
heart (and such, if not unfaithful to himself, is every 
Christian's heart) could not congenialize with that 
spirit of even the most innocent playfulness habi- 
tually indulged, which unfits the mind for all high 
and holy pleasures and pursuits. 

Having thus endeavoured to remove some of the 
prejudices which might prevent this subject from 
being viewed in an impartial light, and to exhibit 
some of the distinguishing characteristics of true 
happiness, as contrasted with thvX false glare which 
imposes on the children of the world, I would now 
proceed to consider this part of our subject more in 
detail, and to prove that Christianity, by sanctify- 
ing, additionally sweetens every purified source of 
earthly enjoyment. And in order to give a clearer 
and fuller demonstration of this assertion, I would 
examine more particularly some of the chief sources 
of earthly enjoyment, and show that the Christian 
has unquestionably the advantage of the worldling 
in regard to them all. 

Thus is an incidental observation suggested by 
this part of our subject, to which I would wish very 
17 



190 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

briefly to advert. The observation is this: That the 
divine original of Christianity, and its divine adap- 
tation to the great end it proposes, as far as man is 
concerned, even his highest happiness, are clearly 
evidenced by the abundant provision which it con- 
tains for the legitimate indulgence of every desire, 
appetite, and affection, that the Creator has Himself 
implanted in our hearts. Whether it be the desire 
for pleasure, or glory; for the favour of the great, 
or the esteem of the good; for the aspirations of in- 
tellect, or the acquisition of knowledge; for the en- 
joyment of social intercourse, or for the endearing 
communion of true friendship and devoted love; for 
all these the religion of the gospel most abundantly 
provides, and secures to its faithful votary the high- 
est measure of happiness which the legitimate grati- 
fication of these desires imparts. With this consi- 
deration steadily kept in view, let us proceed to our 
proposed detail; — and 1, Let us look, in the first in- 
stance, to those pleasures which flow through the 
channel of the senses. 

Now, however paradoxical it may appear, I do 
not hesitate to assert, that the temperate Christian 
is the true man of pleasure; and has the highest en- 
joyment of the very gratifications which might at 
first sight seem to be the peculiar portion of the sen- 
sualist. It is incontrovertible, that excess in these 
gratifications always produces satiety and disgust, 
whereas moderation contributes to increased enjoy- 
ment. To which, as we before remarked, must be 
added the peculiar sweetness infused into them by 
that feeling of gratitude to God, as their Giver, which 
imparts to the thankful Christian's temperate feast 
a relish that the pampered voluptuary never can en- 
joy. Besides, the direct tendency of excessive in- 
dulgence is to induce diseases, which enfeeble and 
torture the voluptuary's frame, and necessarily im- 
bitter his spirit, and mar his enjoyments. While 



OF TRUE HAPriNESS. 



191 



the tendency of temperance is to promote health, 
with its natural accompaniment, a vigorous and 
cheerful frame of mind. When we combine all 
these considerations can we doubt, that the Christian 
who sits down with a thankful heart to a compara- 
tively homely meal, and partakes of it with a sober 
temperance, and a grateful sense of the goodness of 
God in supplying his bodily wants, as well as with 
a sincere desire to employ the strength it imparts in 
the service of that God, derives a greater gratifica- 
tion from the simplest fare thus seasoned, than the 
bloated epicure can possibly derive from the most 
sumptuous and luxurious feast that ever pampered 
the sensualist's vitiated taste. " Better, indeed, is a 
dinner of herbs," where love to God is, "than a 
stalled ox," where enmity to Him is reigning in 
the heart. 

We have before adverted to the manifold miseries 
attendant on a career of licentiousness, and feel it 
would be an insult to institute even a momentary 
comparison between its debasing gratifications and 
the purified enjoyments, of Christian wedded love, 
refined by the endearing sentiment of mutual affec- 
tion, and sanctified by the hallowing blessing of Him 
who has pronounced it "honourable in all," and 
adorned and beautified the marriage state by His pre- 
sence and miraculous power at a marriage feast; con- 
secrating it to "such an excellent mystery, that in it 
is signified and represented the spiritual marriage and 
unity betwixt Christ and His Church," and thus en- 
circling its happiness with a halo of heavenly light! 
Surely it must be needless to compare such happiness 
with the vile and brutalized gratifications of the vo- 
tary of licentiousness, in order to prove that herein 
the Christian has an unquestionable superiority over 
the slave of sin. You may as well compare the 
zephyr's balmy breath with the sirocco's blighting 
blast, or the peaceful river's pure refreshing stream 



192 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

with the lava's dark and desolating flood of fire, as 
compare the pure and peaceful happiness of holy- 
wedded love with the polluted and turbulent enjoy- 
ments of unhallowed licentiousness, linked as the 
former is with all the sweetest affections of the human 
heart, all the dearest charities of a happy home, and 
radiant with the smile, and breathing of the bliss of 
heaven; and associated as the latter is with all the 
most degrading and destructive appetites of our fallen 
nature, and all those tormenting passions, which 
make their victim's breast a very type and miniature 
of hell. 

Are not these considerations sufficient to show, 
that Christianity, by laying a hallowed restraint on 
all forbidden and inordinate indulgences of sensual 
appetites; by enjoining a temperate use even of the 
most allowable gratifications which come through the 
channel of the senses; by purifying them from that 
grossness which generates disgust, and restricting 
them from that excess which engenders satiety; by 
forbidding that licentiousness which induces disease, 
and cherishing that self-denial which promotes health; 
and by infusing into every legitimate enjoyment that 
additional sweetness which gratitude to God imparts, 
thus making them all a means of drawing the heart 
closer to God, and rendering the soul meeter for 
heaven, Christianity gives her faithful follower the 
most decided advantage, even on the score of the 
enjoyments which the senses supply, over the most 
favoured votary of vice. 



CHAPTER XII. 

INTELLECTUAL ENJOYMENT. 



Let us now examine the pleasures which flow 
through the channel of the intellect. And here again 
I assert, without fear of contradiction, that in the 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



193 



enjoyment of these also the Christian has decidedly 
the advantage of the worldling. 

Now, in proof of this assertion, I would observe, 
that there is a vast range of pleasures of an intellectual 
character, which the Christian intensely enjoys, and 
from which the worldling is entirely excluded, and 
these pleasures of the highest and most delightful 
stamp. I mean those connected with the reverential 
investigation into the works of Creation, as testifying 
to the wisdom and goodness of the Creator; and into 
the attributes and government of God, more espe- 
cially as developed in the scheme of redemption. 
These manifestly form the sublimest subject for the 
human intellect to grasp; and consequently the en- 
joyment flowing from the exercise of the faculties on 
this magnificent theme, when approached and inves- 
tigated in an humble and devout spirit, must be of 
the very highest order. But whatever be the intel- 
lectual powers of the unconverted man, however high 
the order of his talents, or extensive the range of his 
acquirements, from this enjoyment he is necessarily- 
shut out. He may be able indeed to comprehend and 
unfold the laws which regulate the material universe 
— he may be able to analyze and admire its won- 
drous mechanism — he may be able to dive into the 
bowels of the earth, and explore with scientific eye 
the treasures that lie hidden there ; or to soar up, on 
scientific wing, to the vault of heaven, and trace the 
planets in their mystic course. But whatever be the 
gratification which such pursuits may yield him, (and 
we do not deny that they will yield him a high de- 
gree of intellectual enjoyment,) he is altogether de- 
barred from the far nobler and sweeter pleasures 
which the Christian derives from contemplating, in 
all the diversified displays of divine wisdom and 
goodness which the material universe exhibits, the 
character of Him whom, with mingled affection and 
awe, he loves and adores as his Father and his God ! 
17* 



194 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

To the mere man of science, the world may look like 
a splendid temple, whose majestic pillars and fair 
proportions he can gaze on with admiration; but he 
must still be a stranger to the far higher enjoyment 
which the Christian philosopher derives from wor- 
shipping the Spirit whose glory fills that temple, and 
joining with all his fellow-worshippers in celebrating 
His perfections, and singing His praise. Would it 
not be absurd to compare for one moment the plea- 
sure which philosophy could impart to a Voltaire, 
with that which she would pour into the soul of a 
Boyle? Or to imagine that the stupendous disco- 
veries of astronomy could yield to an infidel, no 
matter how high the order of his intellectual powers 
and attainments, a gratification in any degree approxi- 
mating to what a Newton would derive from this 
sublime source? Do not the astronomical lectures 
of Chalmers supply in our own day, a splendid proof 
what exalted pleasure this science pours into a Chris- 
tian philosopher's heart? Must not the feeling of 
reverential love to the adorable Creator of those suns 
and systems which astronomy unveils to our view, 
mingled with the yet deeper feeling of devout grati- 
tude to Him, when regarded as his Redeemer, in- 
spire the Christian astronomer with a holy delight, 
when contemplating the starry wonders of the sky, 
immeasurably superior to what the infidel or unde- 
vout astronomer can derive from the contemplation'? 
For be it ever remembered, whatever intellectual 
enjoyment the sublimity of those discoveries, and the 
vast variety of most interesting phenomena which 
they have unfolded, are calculated to afford, can be 
tasted as fully by the Christian as by the infidel astro- 
nomer, while the former enjoys a superadded grati- 
fication, altogether surpassing the mere intellectual 
one, in tracing a loving Father's attributes in all these 
shining orbs that gem the brow of night — in hearing 
"the heavens declare the glory of God, and the fir- 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



195 



mament proclaim His handy work" — in reflecting 
that He who made them all is his own beloved Sa- 
viour, whose omnipotence, so majestically displayed 
in the magnificent scenery of the skies, is pledged 
for his safety and his happiness, in time and through 
eternity — and in looking forward to the promised 
period when He shall appear in the clouds of heaven, 
coming in power and great glory, to raise him to 
a blood-bought throne on high, where he shall shine 
with a sun-like splendour, surpassing the most bril- 
liant of those stars for ever and ever! Now surely 
such contemplations, and such hopes, must exalt the 
enjoyment of the Christian, in surveying the wonders 
that astronomy unfolds, immensely above that which 
the most powerful intellect, if unbaptized at the foun- 
tain of a Saviour's love, can possibly derive from this 
source. 

The same mode of reasoning will apply to every 
other department of intellectual pursuit. For whe- 
ther it be the investigation of the laws that regulate 
the world of matter or the world of mind — whether 
the field of contemplation be heaven with all its 
starry host, or earth with all its beauteous scenery 
— whether the wondrous mechanism of the human 
frame, the various forms of vegetable life, or the di- 
versified tribes of animated nature, the Christian 
scholar enjoys equally with the mere man of science 
whatever of intellectual gratification these pursuits 
can yield ; while, in his case, that gratification is 
greatly heightened and endeared by the more ele- 
vated purposes to which he applies all his attain- 
ments — even the advancement of the happiness of 
his fellow-creatures and glory of God ; and by the 
increased feelings of reverential love and adoration 
towards the God of his salvation which such pur- 
suits awaken in his soul. 

Let us now view the subject in another aspect. 
Perhaps there is no source of earthly enjoyment 



196 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

which affords a purer or sweeter pleasure to a mind 
imbued with taste and feeling, than the beautiful 
scenery of creation, whether in its softer or sublimer 
features. To stand on some lofty mountain-top, 
which commands a wide panoramic view of some of 
those delightful scenes which show that earth, marred 
and dimmed as has been her primeval loveliness by 
the sullying blight of sin, "has still some traces of 
her youthful beauty left" — and to look out on the 
enchanting prospect spread before the eye on every 
side, diversified with all the variety of mountain and 
valley — waving woods and verdant lawns — the ma- 
jestic ocean or the peaceful river — all blended toge- 
ther in harmonious combination, and lit up with the 
serene splendour of a summer evening sun — what 
heart is there that must not thrill with admiration 
and delight while gazing on a scene like this ? Now 
I do not deny that there may be a merely sentimen- 
tal enjoyment of such a scene — that a spirit of en- 
thusiastic temperament, and more refined tastes, 
even though unrenewed by divine grace, will in- 
tensely delight in gazing on such a prospect, and 
will so sympathize with the spirit of external na- 
ture, as to be elevated by her sublimity, softened by 
her tenderness, and gladdened by her smile. When 
the various melodies of nature's music steal upon 
his ear — the roar of distant ocean, and the song of 
birds, and the breathings of the mountain breeze, all 
mingling into a harmonious "concord of sweet 
sounds," I can conceive that his heart will throb 
with a responsive thrill of joy, echoing the voice of 
gladness which nature lifts up around him. Yea, 
and further — I can conceive, that with this joy there 
may be mingled a kind of sentimental piety, which 
delights to trace in such a scene the beneficence of 
the Creator, and to link soothing dreams of His be- 
nignity with all the sweet melodies of nature's voice. 
But oh ! how faint, how cold, how poor the joy which 



OP TRUE HAPPINESS. 



197 



this sentimental enthusiast, this poetical worshipper 

of nature's God, can taste, even in the moment of his 

highest, warmest raptures, when compared with what 

the child of God experiences, when he feels, after 

having gazed in speechless admiration and delight 

on such scenes, that he, 

"With filial confidence inspired, 
Can lift to heaven an unpresumptuous eye, 
And smiling say — 'My Father made them all!" 

What superadded pleasure must this filial feeling, 
this sweet reflection, that all the beauteous scenery 
around h-im is the workmanship of a Father's hand, 
pour into the Christian's heart! What holy delight 
will he derive from the thought, that a Father's smile 
beams on him in every gleam of sunshine which 
sparkles on his view — that a Father's character is 
mirrored in every scene of nature's loveliness which 
meets his eye, and a Father's voice is whispering to 
him in every sound of nature's melody which steals 
upon his ear! Will not a thousand delightful recol- 
lections of that Father's tenderness in times past, a 
thousand delightful anticipations of His unchange- 
able faithfulness and love for the time to come, min- 
gle with the gladdened emotions such a scene must 
inspire, deepening and hallowing all his joy? How 
unsubstantial, how unsatisfying the rapturous reve- 
ries of the sentimental worshipper of nature, com- 
pared with "the sober certainty of waking bliss," 
enjoyed by the Christian worshipper of nature's God, 
when he gazes on her beauteous scenery as the work- 
manship of a Father's hand! 

Let any one peruse the poems of Cowper, or the 
life of the late Legh Richmond, (to select but two 
out of a multitudeof examples that might be adduced,) 
and he cannot fail to be convinced that the love of 
the Saviour, shed abroad in the heart by the Holy 
Ghost, imparts to the exquisite enjoyment, ema- 
nating from the admiration of beautiful scenery, a 



198 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

sweetness of flavour, and a halo of glory, essentially 
divine! 

How does the Christian delight, wherever he turns 
his eye, to trace 

u The unambiguous footsteps of the God, 
Who gives its lustre to an insect's wing, 
And wheels his throne upon the rolling worlds !" 

But not merely does the Creator's benignity call 
forth his gratitude, but all nature speaks to his heart 
of a Redeemer- 's love; for he remembers, in the ex- 
quisite language of the poet — that, 

c: One Spirit, His 
Who wore the platted thorns with bleeding brows, 
Rules universal nature ! Not a flower 
But shows some touch, in freckle, streak, or stain, 
Of His unrivalled pencil! 7 ' 

In truth, Scripture has made creation to a Chris- 
tian a beautiful type and eloquent preacher of Christ. 
There is not an object in nature that does not remind 
him of the Saviour, either as shadowing out, by typi- 
cal resemblance, some of His divine attributes; or as 
linked with some lesson of divine wisdom and love, 
that fell from His lips. He cannot look up, without 
beholding with the eye of faith, the glory of the "Sun 
of Righteousness — the Bright and Morning Star.' 5 
He cannot look around without thinking of the "Rock 
of Ages — the Righteous Branch — the Rose of Sharon 
— the True Vine." The sower sowing his seed- — 
the reapers in the harvest-field— the fisherman casting 
his net into the sea — all awaken associations connected 
with his name and cause. Not a bird of the air, nor 
a flower of the field, but speaks to his heart of the 
watchfulness and tenderness of a Saviour's care. To 
him the face of nature is as a bright and beautiful 
mirror, in which that Saviour's image is reflected, 
and His voice is heard by him in every melody that 
meets his ear. And it is only a Christian can under- 
stand the exquisite pleasure which flows into -his -soul, 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



199 



when, as lie walks abroad through nature's scenes, 
sweet thoughts of Him who is the beloved of his soul, 
are suggested by every object, around; which, by re- 
minding him of some of the Redeemer's loveliest 
traits of character — some of His gracious offices — or 
some of His most precious gifts,draws his heart closer 
to Him, in the bonds of gratitude, adoration, and love. 
And such feelings, while they sanctify, additionally 
exalt and sweeten the enjoyment which the beautiful 
scenery of nature supplies. 

But never, perhaps, was the chief reason for the 
superiority of the Christian's enjoyment of nature's 
loveliness, over that which can be felt by the most 
refined but unconsecrated sentimentalism, more elo- 
quently described than in Cowper's sublime address 
to the Saviour, where, when expatiating on the blissful 
effects of that divine liberty, which the Son of God 
imparts to His believing people, appealing to the 
Eternal Word, he exclaims — 

"When liberty, like day, 
Breaks on the soul, and by a flash from, heaven, 
Fires all the faculties with glorious joy — 
A voice is heard that mortal ears hear not 
Till Thou hast touched them — 'tis the voice of song, 
A loud Hosanna sent from all Thy works, 
Which he that hears it, with a shout repeats, 
And adds his rapture to the general praise ! 
In that blest moment, nature, throwing wide 
Her veil opake, discloses, with a smile, 
The Author of her beauties, who, retired 
Behind His own creation, works unseen 
By the impure, and hears his power denied!' 7 

Now, here lies the true secret of the Christian's 
superiority in this enjoyment. To his purified vision, 
the Author of nature's beauties is unveiled, under the 
endearing character of his Redeemer; and His smile 
lights up all the scenery with celestial glory. To his 
ears, a voice, that mortal ears hear not till God has 
touched them, speaks in sweetest accents of a beloved 
Saviour's praise. 



200 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

With what holy joy then does the grateful Chris- 
t.ian listen to, and join in the "loud Hosanna sent 
from all His works/' when he reflects that though 
He made them all, yet, in the unfathomable depths 
of a Redeemer's love, He veiled the Creator's glory 
under the form of a man of sorrows, for his sake and 
for his salvation! It is this, it is this thought which 
fills his heart, even to overflowing, with grateful love 
and happiness, when he looks around him on all those 
beauteous scenes, and says to himself, "The hands, 
which spread all this loveliness around me, are the 
very hands which, in the stupendous sacrifice of a 
Saviour's love, were stretched out for me on Calvary's 
cross!" 

Now to this joy, the mere admirer of nature, how- 
ever ardent his admiration, and however intense the 
delight which it affords, must be an utter stranger, 
and what joy can be compared with this? 

He may gaze in rapture on the face of nature, but 
the "veil opake" which sin has flung over it, is not 
thrown aside for him— so that to his eye, there beams 
from it no brightening splendour of a Saviour's smile. 
The melodies of nature may sound sweetly to his ear, 
but no voice of heavenly song, no "loud Hosanna'' 
can be heard by him, chanting a Saviour's praise! 
How poor then must his pleasures be, how earthly 
in their origin and end, compared with those which 
the child of God enjoys — which have their source in 
heaven, and lift the soul up to the heaven from which 
they spring! 

Let us now try music, as a source of intellectual 
enjoyment, by the same test, and we shall find the 
same result 

When this delightful art is employed as the chan- 
nel for expressing devotional feelings — when the 
voice and heart are together attuned to the praise of 
God our Saviour, and thus the believer, even while 
sojourning in this vale of tears, is enabled to take 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



201 



part with the choir of heaven, and join in the halle- 
lujahs of the skies — surely it is then that the highest 
degree of enjoyment which music can impart, is 
poured into the soul. Shall we compare such enjoy- 
ment, which anticipates and foretastes so much of the 
joy of angels and the bliss of heaven, with— I will 
not insult the hallowed theme by a comparison with 
the gratification afforded by songs that breathe the 
spirit of voluptuousness, or administer in any measure 
to vice — but even with the pleasure that the purest 
strains of a mere earthly stamp can ever afford? I 
do not here mean to deny that there is much, yea, 
exquisite enjoyment to the lovers of music, connected 
with the expression of purified earthly feeling, when 
clothed in the combined charms of poetry and song. 
But this I will assert, without fear of contradiction, 
that the sincere Christian, when engaged in singing, 
or in listening to, the praises of his beloved Saviour, 
when sung by those who love His name, derives from 
music the very purest, sweetest, and most exalted en- 
joyment that can flow through this channel into the 
human heart — and that the most exquisite pleasure 
which the finest music, of an altogether earthly cha- 
racter, can inspire, will not bear a moment's compari- 
son with that which the simplest strains of melody, 
when wafting the incense of gratitude from a be- 
liever's heart up to the throne of God, will impart! 
While, in point of sublimity and grandeur, how im- 
measurably does the Hallelujah chorus of Handel soar 
above the loftiest elevation that mere earthly subjects 
can ever reach; and afford a proportionally more ex- 
alted enjoyment to the humblest Christian, than it 
can yield to the most enthusiastic or talented amateur 
in music, whose heart is not in unison with the sub- 
ject of the song! Conceive a large congregation of 
Christians, assembled in the sanctuary — or even a 
little band of fellow-disciples met together, to enjoy 
in sweet communion, a few hours of social inter- 
18 



202 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

course — and, with hearts glowing with a Saviour's 
love, uniting together in singing His praise; and can 
it be for a moment doubted, that music, when thus 
consecrated to the service of God, is employed in its 
legitimate occupation — is fulfilling the high destiny 
for which its Author designed it — and consequently 
is imparting the hallowed happiness w T hich He gra- 
ciously intended it should communicate— and which 
it cannot, w T hen employed in any meaner service, 
supply? 

I would, therefore, maintain that it is when music 
is employed as the handmaid of piety — when her 
high and holy purpose is to fan the flame of devo- 
tion — when the lips, which pour forth her inspiration, 
are as a sacred censer, breathing out the sweet in- 
cense of gratitude to God, then — then it is that mu- 
sic kindles her sublimest raptures in the soul! And 
here I cannot forbear remarking, before I conclude, 
how much it is to be deplored that any whom God 
has gifted with this talent, should ever refuse to em- 
ploy it in the public services of the sanctuary, by 
taking part in singing His praise. But that any who 
really love Him, and are capacitated for thus ex- 
pressing their gratitude, should remain silent in the 
sanctuary, when His praises are sung, is one of those 
anomalies of the Christian character which cannot 
but excite our unqualified sorrow and surprise. 
Should these pages meet the eye of such, I would 
affectionately entreat of them to ask themselves— 
Why they are guilt} r of such deplorable inconsis- 
tency? — Why do they cheat God of the glory so 
justly His due — their fellow-Christians of the bene- 
fit, and their own souls of the happiness, such an 
employment of their vocal talents, if performed in a 
suitable spirit, must ever yield ? Why refuse to join 
in that part of the service of the Christian Sabbath 
which most of all assimilates and approximates the 
worship of the earthly temple to that of the heaven- 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



203 



ly. sanctuary — and the services and enjoyments ot 
t he church militant on earth to those of the church 
triumphant in heaven? Why, why will they who 
feel what they owe to the love of God in Christ, re- 
fuse to join in the sanctuary with His children in 
praising the Giver of all the blessings they enjoy? 
Can they reconcile such conduct with the gratitude 
they owe to Him who has bought for them, with His 
own blood, a place in that celestial choir who shall 
be employed, throughout the ages of eternity, in 
singing His praise? 

I would also suggest to all Christian heads of fami- 
lies, how much the combining, when it can be accom- 
plished, a hymn with prayer and the reading of the 
scriptures, in family worship, conduces to its profita- 
ble and pleasurable performance. It has, when con- 
ducted in a devotional spirit, and animated by the 
Holy Ghost with celestial fire, a peculiar tendency to 
preserve the worship of the domestic circle from de- 
generating into cold formality or chilling gloom; and 
to impart to it a character of holy cheerfulness and 
sacred joy! And never, perhaps, does a Christian 
family on earth exhibit more of a resemblance to the 
family of God in heaven, never does it catch a 
brighter glimpse of the glory within the veil, or a. 
sweeter foretaste of the fulness of joy in the pre- 
sence of God, than when the hearts and voices of all 
its members are thus blended together, while assem- 
bled around the family altar, in some of those sweet 
songs of praise which are still, as it were, lingering 
on the harp of David, or which the piety of gifted 
saints, in later times, or in our own day, has supplied. 
Then, then, indeed, does that little band of rejoicing 
worshippers here below participate in the high and 
holy happiness of those worshippers before the throne 
on high, who "rest not day or night, singing praises 
unto Him who sitteth on that throne, and to the 
Lamb, for ever and ever!" 



204 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

CHAPTER XIII. 

PLEASURES OF THE IMAGINATION. 

Let us try our proposed test in one more exam- 
ple — I mean the pleasures of an intellectual character, 
which flow through the channel of the imagination; 
and we shall find that in regard to these also, Chris- 
tianity has placed her votaries on a vantage-ground, 
which raises their enjoyment of the pleasures which 
the imagination imparts, vastly above what the world- 
ling can ever derive from this source. 

If we attentively examine the constitution of our 
mental system, we shall find that the imagination is 
one of the most important of our faculties, and exer- 
cises the most powerful influence over our character 
and our happiness. 

It is this faculty which invests with such an attrac- 
tive aspect, and tinges with such brilliant colouring, 
the opening scenes of life to the inexperienced e)'e 
of youth. It is this faculty which gives such fatal 
charms to the forbidden fruit of sinful pleasure, and 
throws round the objects of earthly ambition such a 
dazzling glare of seductive splendour. It is this fa- 
culty which arrays the various idols that the votaries 
of this world worship with such enticing allure- 
ments, that their blinded worshippers think it not 
too much to sacrifice even the favour of God and the 
glories of heaven for the objects of their idolatrous 
devotion. And therefore it is this faculty of which 
Satan makes such fearful use, in seducing the souls 
of men into the snares by which he hopes to chain 
down their affections and desires to the things of 
time and sense, and thus induce them to forget and 
forego the joys and glories of eternity. 

Surely these considerations, alone, are sufficient to 
show, that on the due direction and regulation of this 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



205 



faculty, the formation of our character, and conse- 
quently of our happiness, must materially depend. 
If the imagination be allowed to run riot amidst the 
vanities of the world, or the allurements of voluptu- 
ousness — if it be permitted to present the objects of 
earthly desire to the eye of the soul, invested with 
all its seductive brilliancy; and to inflame the pas- 
sions by exhibiting to their ardent gaze their appro- 
priate excitements, under the most tempting aspect; 
and while thus altogether earthly and unhallowed in 
its influences, to reign with uncontrolled ascendency 
over the affections of the heart, it will soon bring the 
whole man under its demoralizing dominion, and 
give a fatal bias to all his propensities and passions, 
concentrating all their energies on the attainment of 
the objects which it has persuaded its deluded victim 
to believe will, if attained, secure the most exquisite 
and satisfying enjoyment, and quench that thirst for 
happiness which God has implanted in the human 
heart. The scene that was acted in the Garden of 
Eden will be repeated with the same ruinous result. 
The fruit of some forbidden tree will look so tempt- 
ing to the eye, so much to be desired for the intense 
delight it promises to yield, that even the divine pro- 
hibition — "Eat not, lest ye die' 7 — will be disregard- 
ed, and the hand of presumptuous disobedience be 
stretched forth to grasp the enticing object, in defi- 
ance of the threatening^ of a holy God ! 

If such be the influence of the imagination, what 
must be the power of poetry, which appeals to it 
with such attractiveness and force, either for the pur- 
poses of good or evil, according to its tendency and 
tone ! And how great is the guilt of those who 
abuse this noble gift of God, by making it the means 
of enlisting the imagination in the service of sin ! — 
whether, as in the case of a late highly-gifted but 
unhappy poet, who employed his splendid talents 
(given him assuredly for a far nobler purpose) in en- 
18* 



206 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

deavouring to invest with a kind of gloomy gran- 
deur— a stern sublimity— the character of a proud, 
scornful, scoffing misanthropist — a character branded 
in scripture with the deepest reprobation, because so 
essentially opposed both to the happiness of man, 
and to the character of God; or whether it be that 
yet more dangerous and debasing abuse of poetical 
talent which prostitutes it to the vilest purposes, 
making it pander to the indulgence of our sensual 
appetites, by clothing corrupting sentiment with a 
veil of beautiful texture, which partially conceals its 
deformity — turning love into licentiousness, and thus 
degrading a pure, generous, refined affection, delight- 
ing to minister to another's happiness, into a vile, 
selfish, grovelling appetite, seeking entirely its own 
gratification — imbodying the seductive spirit of vo- 
luptuousness in a form of fatal fascination, that, siren- 
like, enchants only to destroy — "and, by mingling it 
in a delicious draught, sparkling in a golden cup, 
insinuating the poison of impurity into the imagina- 
tion and the heart, where, once it is introduced, it 
blights the very springs of moral and spiritual life, 
and turns all within into corruption, defilement, and 
death ! 

Oh! that those who are gifted with, but thus pro- 
fane, this precious talent would consider who intrusted 
it to them, and to whom they must answer for its 
abuse; if they would keep in mind to what a ma- 
lignant spirit they are indebted for the inspiration 
that pervades their poetry, and that they owe to Satan 
what they and their admirers conceive to be their 
happiest thoughts; if they would reflect how, by the 
perversion of this gift, those who might have ranked 
high among the benefactors of mankind, become a 
curse to their fellow-men; and would remember, that 
for every corrupting line they have ever written, 
they must give an account to God in the day of judg- 
ment, who will hold them responsible for all the 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



207 



guilt and misery they have been instrumental in 
spreading; and that, if eternally ruined themselves, 
their own everlasting anguish will be fearfully aggra- 
vated by the reproaches and torments of every lost 
soul they have assisted in ruining; so that the amount 
of their guilt, and the stores of retributive vengeance, 
will be continually accumulating till the judgment- 
day! If they would seriously reflect on all this, 
surely they would not dare to publish (still less, if 
spared till maturer years, instead of repenting of the 
sins of their youth, would they dare, w 7 ith the cold- 
blooded cruelty of relentless and matured depravity, 
to perpetuate) productions whose only tendency is 
to sully the purity of the youthful mind — to seduce 
the unwary into the paths of sin — to sap the springs 
of domestic happiness — to sever the bonds of social 
life — to advance the empire of Satan — to dishonour 



the religion of the Saviour — and to insult the m 



ajes- 



ty of God; thus turning, with revolting ingratitude 
and impiety, one of the most benevolent arrange- 
ments of the Creator, which bears the most legible 
impress of His benignity, and w T hich He designed 
to administer so abundantly to the happiness of man, 
into one of the most offensive insults to the holiness 
of His nature, and one of the most fruitful sources 
of human demoralization, misery, and crime! 

How different the influence of poetry when the 
source of her inspiration is the Holy Spirit, and the 
aim of her aspirations the glory of God! — when she 
breathes her heavenly musings in the sublime strains 
of an Isaiah, the tender lamentations of a Jeremiah, 
the various tones of sacred melody that issue from 
the harp of the sweet Singer of Israel, or the deep- 
toned majesty of the Book of Job ! — when, to use the 
eloquent language of one who felt her magic power, 
"Poetry was the anticipating apostle, the prophetic 
evangelist, < whose feet were beautiful upon the moun- 
tains — that published salvation — that said unto Zion, 



20S THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

Thy God reigneth!" — or, to come nearer to our own 
time, when "we view her in the moments of enrap- 
tured piety, in her vigils and devotions with Young, 
or her heavenly conversations with Cowper," who 
may, with emphatic propriety, be designated the 
poet of Christianit}' ! — or, yet nearer to our own day, 
when we listen to her pouring out her pure and hal- 
lowed strains in the classic elegance of a Heber, the 
fervent piety of the bard of Sheffield, the deep and 
tender sensibility of a Hemans, the elevated aspira- 
tions of a Pollok, or the mournful breathings of con- 
secrated but unbefriended genius in Kirke White.* 

* I gladly embrace this opportunity of bearing my humble testimony 
on behalf of a poem that has recently appeared (Montgomery's "Luther,") 
in which the character of the great reformer is developed with consider- 
able attractiveness and power, the doctrines of evangelical religion clearly 
exhibited and eloquently enforced, and the appalling abominations of 
Popery exposed with uncompromising fidelity and force. A work, 
therefore, which, in our day when Popery is spreading so rapidly abroad, 
and even insinuating itself into the bosom of our Scriptural Church, 
deserves the warm approval and patronage of all who abhor that master- 
piece of Satanic skill — that soul-destroying system of anti-scriptural error 
— who venerate the character of the great reformer, and the principles of 
the glorious reformation, and love and desire to promote the spread of evan- 
gelical truth. The value of such a work will be more fully appreciated 
if we glance at a sketch of the Papal system, delineated with a masterly 
hand by Bickersteth, in his " Progress of Popery," which cannot fail to 
stimulate every real Christian to use every exertion in his power to resist 
its progress, whether in the more concealed shape of Tractarianism in 
our own Church, or in its avowed form of open profession at home, or 
abroad; and thus to rescue the souls of our fellow- creatures from its 
dreadful and degrading bondage. 

"Popery," says Bickersteth, when showing how the Papal system 
adapts itself to every country, and to every class of individuals, "Popery 
has that wherewith it can meet every desire of the natural heart, and 
soothe every anxiety about the soul: for the literate it has prodigious 
stores of learning; for the illiterate it has its images, pomps, and shows; 
for the self-righteous it has its innumerable ways of external service; for 
the most devout it has its unceasing prayers; for the musician it has the 
most exquisite chants and anthems; for the painter the most splendid 
efforts of human art; for the imaginative all the visions of fancy, its 
gloomy cloisters, lights, and processions, incense, and beautiful churches 
with painted windows, and priests with splendid garments and varied 
dresses. To quiet the conscience, it has doctrines of human merit, and 
works of supererogation; to alarm the indifferent, it has the fears of 
purgatory ; to raise the priesthood, they can make a little flour and 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



209 



But never, perhaps, was the grandeur of poetry, 
when employed in her legitimate vocation — that is, 
when consecrated to the service of God, and her 
power to impart happiness to her votary, under the 
most afflictive circumstances — more strikingly exhi- 
bited, than by the eloquent writer,* (to whom I have 
already alluded) in a eulogy on Milton, of such sur- 
passing beauty that I cannot deny my reader the 
gratification I am sure it will supply . 

"There lived a divine old man, whose everlast- 
ing remains we have all admired, whose memory is 
the pride of England and of nature. His youth was 
distinguished by a happier lot than, perhaps, genius 
has often enjoyed at the commencement of its career: 
he was enabled, by the liberality of fortune, to dedi- 
cate his soul to the cultivation of those classical ac- 
complishments, in which almost his infancy delighted : 
he had attracted admiration at the period when it is 
most exquisitely felt: he stood forth the literary and 
political champion of Republican England ; — and 
Europe acknowledged him the conqueror. But, the 
storm arose; his fortune sunk with the Republic 
which he had defended ; the name which future ages 
have consecrated was forgotten ; and neglect was 
imbittered by remembered celebrity. Age was ad- 
vancing ; — health was retreating; — Nature hid her 

water into a god, and will themselves worship what they make. To 
give ease to the conscience of the man of the world, and the lover oi 
pleasure, each sin has its indulgence and penance. All men at times 
are under fear of God's wrath ; their conscience is touched ; they are in 
anxiety ; and at such times Popery comes in and gives them a sop that 
satisfies for the moment, and sends them into the sleep of death. It 
covers every lust ; it calms every fear. It is the devil's cunning device 
of twelve hundred years' growth for leading countless myriads to perdi- 
tion. Let us not be ignorant of his devices." 

My dear and much-valued friend and college-companion, the late 
Rev. Charles Wolfe, the author of the far-famed "Ode on the Burial oi 
Sir John Moore ," and equally esteemed and beloved by all who knew 
him as a most faithful and eloquent ambassador of Christ, and a most 
attractive exhibition of the Christian character.— See his Life and Re- 
mains, by his friend, Archdeacon RusselL 



210 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

face from him for ever, for, never more to him re- 
turned — 

'Day, or the sweet approach of even or morn. 
Or sight of vernal bloom, or summer's rose, 
Or flocks, or herds, or human face divine.' 

What was the refuge of the deserted veteran from 
penury, from neglect, from infamy, from darkness? 
Not in a querulous and peevish despondency; not in 
an unmanly recantation of principles, erroneous, but 
unchanged; not in the tremendous renunciation 
of what Heaven has given, and Heaven alone 
should take away ; but he turned from a distracted 
country, and a voluptuous court — he turned from 
triumphant enemies, and inefficient friends — he turned 
from a world, that to him was a universal blank, to 
the muse that sits among the cherubim; — and she 
caught him into heaven ! The clouds that obscured 
his vision upon earth, instantaneously vanished be- 
fore the blaze of celestial effulgence, and his eyes 
opened at once upon all the glories and the terrors of 
the Almighty — the seats of eternal beatitude and 
bottomless perdition. What, though to look upon 
the face of this earth was still denied, what was it to 
him, that one of the outcast atoms of creation was 
concealed from his view, when the Deity permitted 
the muse to unlock his mysteries, and disclose to the 
poet the recesses of the universe—when she bade his 
soul expand into its immensity, and enjoy as well its 
horrors as its magnificence! What was it to him 
that he had < fallen upon evil days and evil tongues,' 
for the muse could transplant his spirit into the 
bowers of Eden, w r here the frown of fortune was dis- 
regarded, and the weight of incumbent infirmity for- 
gotten in the smile that beamed on primeval inno- 
cence, and the tear that was consecrated to man's 
first disobedience." 

Now, let any one contrast the influence emanating 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



11 



from the perusal of such poetry,* with that produced 
by reading the pages of perverted and polluting senti- 
mentalism — let him consider how every better feel- 
ing is cherished, and every better purpose strength- 
ened by the one; and how the mind of the other is 
dazzled into the admiration of what it ought to de- 
spise, or seduced into the love of what it ought to 
hate — and then let him calculate the result of these 
different styles of poetry, in the estimate of character 
and happiness which they must produce, and the 
habits and actions to which they must lead ; and can 
it, for a moment, be questioned, that poetry, when 
consecrated in the service of the sanctuary, is a most 
valuable handmaid of religion, and benefactress of 
mankind ; but when prostituted to the service of 
Satan, is one of his most powerful instruments, espe- 
cially with the young, the imaginative, and the ardent, 
for corrupting their principles, and destroying their 
immortal souls! 

From all this we see how needful it is, for the 
formation of the Christian character and the attain- 
ment of true happiness, that the imagination be puri- 
fied in its influences, directed to suitable objects, and 
kept within proper bounds. And it is in all these 
respects that the religion of the Gospel, by supplying 
the most delightful, and at the same time sanctifying, 
provision for the exercise of this faculty, contributes 
so importantly to the happiness of the heart in which 
it dwells. By means of this faculty, when purified 
by the Spirit of God, and directed to the Sacred 
Oracles which contain the revelation of His will, and 
the manifestation of His love, whether amidst the 

* Hear the testimony of Henry Martyn on this interesting subject : — 
"Since I have known God in a saving manner, painting, poetry, and 
music have had charms unknown to me before. I have received what 1 
suppose is a taste for them; for religion has refined my mind, and made 
it susceptible of impressions from the sublime and beautiful. Oh ! how 
religion secures the heightened enjoyment of those pleasures which keep 
so many from God by their becoming a source of pride!'' 



212 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

twilight shadows of the Old, or the clear sunshine of 
the New Testament dispensation, we can identify 
ourselves, as it were, with all the interesting inci- 
dents recorded in the history of patriarchs and pro- 
phets — of saints and apostles — -and especially of the 
adorable Redeemer Himself. By means of a sancti- 
fied imagination, we can also grasp all the glories 
that are predicted as the bright inheritance of the 
Church of Christ in the millennial age. We can even 
ascend up to heaven, and catch a glimpse of the yet 
brighter glories within the veil. We can behold the 
"multitude that no man could number, surrounding 
the throne, clothed in white robes, and palms in their 
hands." We can see their sparkling countenances 
radiant with celestial splendour! — we can hear their 
rapturous voices thrilling with celestial joy ! — we can 
listen to, and unite with, the songs of praise with 
which they cast their crowns at the feet of Him who 
sitteth on the throne, and who has bought them with 
His own most precious blood! 

Thus, whatever way we look, to the scenes of the 
past or the future, as presented to our view in the word 
of God, we shall find the richest and most glorious 
materials for the elevating and gladdening exercise of 
the imagination. If we look back we can watch, by 
means of the imagination, the gradual progress of the 
work of creation — see the light starting forth at the 
divine command, and out of a chaos of confusion the 
fair fabric of this goodly world rising in harmony 
and beauty before our enchanted gaze — while, with 
enraptured ear, we hear "the morning stars singing 
together, and all the sons of God shouting for joy." 
We can transport ourselves into the garden of Para- 
dise before sin had blighted its bloom ; and see our 
first parents, in primeval innocence, walking with 
angels and the God of angels in holy and happy fel- 
lowship amidst its bowers of bliss ! We can watch 
the ark riding in safety over the waters of a deluged 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



213 



world, and resting, when the floods had dried up, on 
the lofty mountain-top, which Noah hallowed as an 
altar to the Lord. We can accompany the father of 
the faithful in every step of his journey to Mount 
Moriah, and share every fluctuation of his feelings as 
he travels onward with bleeding heart, yet unfalter- 
ing faith, to sacrifice his son — his only son ! We 
can meditate with Isaac in the fields at even-tide; 
and behold the angels ascending and descending on 
the mysterious ladder in Jacob's dream. We can 
follow his darling son — his beloved Joseph, through 
all the varying vicissitudes of his history, from the 
moment he was thrust down into the pit, till the 
moment he was raised to Egypt's throne, and on- 
ward to the close of his eventful life ! And where 
can imagination find a history to feast upon, that will 
supply such exquisite enjoyment — so full of the most 
interesting incidents, and told with such touching 
pathos — such exquisite simplicity, as the history of 
Joseph's life? By means of the imagination we can 
witness, with exulting joy, the rescue of God's fa- 
voured people from Egyptian bondage, and share 
their triumph over Pharaoh and all his hosts at the 
Red Sea. We can travel with Israel in all their wan- 
derings through the wilderness — see the light of the 
guiding pillar brightening out their way — hear the 
refreshing sound of the water as it gushes from the 
smitten rock — and enter with them into the posses- 
sion of the promised land. 

I need not expatiate further in detail on the de- 
light with which imagination vividly portrays to the 
mind's eye every recorded incident in the life of 
Moses or Joshua — of Samson or Samuel — Elijah or 
Elisha — or the man after God's own heart. But it 
is when a sanctified imagination, with reverential 
awe and adoring love follows the footsteps of the 
Son of God through all the various events of His 
pilgrimage of mercy here below, it is then emphati- 
19 



214 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

cally, that she drinks her deepest draughts of bliss! 
Then she seems indeed to soar on seraph-wing and 
to infuse heaven's own element of holy joy into the 
Christian's purified soul ! 

Those, and those alone, fully know what power 
imagination has to fill the human heart with purest 
sweetest happiness, who have employed it with sober 
and sanctified, yet intense and all-absorbing interest, 
in imbodying to the mind's eye every scene in the 
history of the divine Saviour, from His cradle to His 
cross ! None — none can tell, but they who have 
felt, what a tide of unutterable joy is poured into the 
Christian's bosom, when, in the visions of a hallowed 
imagination, he gazes on his beloved Saviour cradled 
in the manger — or worshipped by the wise men from 
the east — or gathering the lambs in His arms — or 
feeding thousands with a few Joaves — or walking 
with His disciples through the fields of Judea, point- 
ing them, for lessons of trust in His love and care, 
to the lilies that grew near, or the birds that flew 
past them in their walk — or wiping away the tears 
of the widow of Nain — or weeping beside the grave 
of Lazarus — or walking in calm majesty on the 
stormy sea — or giving sight to the blind, health to 
the diseased, hearing to the deaf, and life to the dead ! 
Or when, with thrilling wonder, imagination watches 
Him in His conflict with Satan on the Mount of 
Temptation — or, with dazzled eye, contemplates the 
outbursting glory of the Godhead breaking through 
the veil of flesh on the Mount of Transfiguration — or 
sits down with Him in silent sorrow at His last sup- 
per with His beloved disciples — or follows Him with 
trembling awe and tearful sympathy, into the Garden 
of Gethsemane — or looks on Him., with speechless 
adoration or gratitude, lifted up on the cross of Cal- 
vary, amidst the gloom that gathers round the mount! 
Or when she watches Him, with triumphant joy, 
rising from the sepulchre — or journeys in sweet 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



215 



companionship with Him to Emmaus — or goes np 
with Him, in mingled grief and gladness, to the 
Mount of Olivet, to catch there the last smile of His 
love, the last sound of His voice on earth, as, in the 
act of blessing His disciples, He ascended up into 
heaven, and a cloud received Him out of their sight! 
Or when she follows Him, with exulting failh, up to 
His mediatorial throne, to see Him seated at the right 
hand of the Father; and hear Him there lifting up 
the voice of intercession for His people; and there 
with Him, in holy communion of spirit, continually 
to dwell! Oh! when imagination is thus employed, 
does not the glory of God sparkle round the scenes 
she unfolds to the view, and the bliss of heaven 
mingle with the joys she pours into the heart? 

And while imagination thus administers to the 
believer's enjoyment, by imbodying the various in- 
teresting incidents in the Saviour's history, which 
all remind him, as they pass before his view, of that 
Saviour's love, she no less ministers to his sancti- 
ncation, by thus, as it were, bringing him in closer 
contact and more intimate communion with the Sa- 
viour's character, whose divine features are, by this 
constant companionship with Jesus, through the me- 
dium of a sanctified imagination, so attractively ex- 
hibited before the mental eye. And thus, the power 
of the Holy Spirit, sanctifying this instrumentality, 
moulds him into a nearer resemblance to that image 
in conformity to which, as we have already shown, 
the very essence of his happiness, and of his meet- 
ness for heaven, consists. The same observation will 
apply, in a subordinate degree, to the beneficial in- 
fluence of a hallowed imagination, in connexion with 
every character, whether in the Old or New Testa- 
ment dispensation, which shines with celestial lustre, 
caught by reflection from the ra)'s of the Sun of 
Righteousness. In this way the faith, the piety, the 
zeal, of patriarchs and prophets of old — in this way, 



216 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

the holy lives and heavenly characters of a Saint Peter, 
a Saint John, and a Saint Paul, will be made to mi- 
nister most abundantly at once to the believer's sanc- 
tified enjoyment, and increased meetness for his in- 
heritance among the saints in light. 

If now, from the scenes of the past we turn to the 
future, here also a sanctified imagination will find 
fields of view to expatiate in, where she can spread her 
wings for her loftiest and most delightful range, and 
feast herself on the loveliest visions that her enrap- 
tured gaze can desire to contemplate. What can 
exceed, what can equal the scenes of beauty and bliss 
which the prophetical sketch of the millennial glory 
unfolds to the eye of a hallowed imagination! 
Survey those scenes, as depicted in the volume of 
inspiration, or as delineated, in reflected splendour, 
in the page of the poet of Christianity, the sainted 
Cowper; and what poet of mere earthly imaginings, 
however brilliant his genius, ever pictured such 
scenes of surpassing loveliness, as the prospects of 
millennial beauty and blessedness present to the view? 
Conceive this earth restored to more than its primeval 
glory — every trace of sin's desolating blight entirely 
effaced — harmony re-established among all the tribes 
of animals that now live at enmity together — all the 
inhabitants of our world, constituting one happy 
family of love, renewed in the divine image, in the 
beauty of holiness — angels once more walking in 
sweet and sacred fellowship with man, amidst the 
bowers of a second paradise — and, above all, the Lord 
of angels, irradiating every scene of beauty and every 
source of bliss, by the glory of His presence, and the 
heaven of His smile! Conceive what must be the 
happiness of our regenerated earth, when the voice 
of discord shall no more be heard in its dwellings, 
but universal love, and joy, and gladness, thanksgiving 
and the voice of melody. For, in that blissful era, 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 217 

"One song shall employ all nations, and all cry, 
"Worthy the Lamb ! for He was slain for us ! 
The dwellers in the vale, and on the rocks, 
Shout to each other, and the mountain-tops 
From distant mountains catch the flying joy, 
Till, nation after nation taught the strains, 
Earth rolls the rapturous Hosanna round." 

Now just conceive the feelings of the Christian, 
gazing on such scenes, and listening to such sounds, 
in the visions of a hallowed imagination, and say, is 
it not then that imagination unveils her brightest 
glories to the human eye, and pours her purest plea- 
sures into the human heart? Or if she has brighter 
glories, and purer pleasures to boast, is it not when 
she lifts her enraptured votary, on soaring wing, up 
to the heaven of heavens — shows him the countless 
ranks of shining ones, cherubim and seraphim, that 
surround the Throne of God — breathes into his ears 
the more than mortal melody which is poured forth 
by numbers without number, encircling that Throne, 
and blending all their voices in one full burst of ado- 
ration and praise to Him who sitteth thereon; while, 
clear and loud, above all the host of heaven, is heard 
the voice of the innumerable company of the re- 
deemed, singing that new song which none but they 
can sing, and which, in one sense, exalts their joy 
above the joy of angels, while they cry out — "Wor- 
thy the Lamb, for He was slain for us! Worthy 
the Lamb to receive honour, and praise, and glory, 
and blessing, for ever and ever!" 

Need we compare the enjoyment which the imagi- 
nation, when her inspiration, however fervid, and her 
visions, however bright, are altogether of the earth, 
can pour into her most enthusiastic votary's heart, 
with the enjoyment which she pours into the Chris- 
tian's, when she thus transports him to heaven, in- 
troduces him among the choir of angels, and enables 
him to catch glimpses of the glory and strains of the 
music round the throne of God; more especially 
19* 



218 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

when we remember that faith, while thus feasting on 
the glorious sights and sounds which a sanctified 
imagination brings within her reach, gives also to the 
believer the blissful assurance, that yet a little, and 
the scene, thus glorious in vision, shall be unveiled 
in all its splendours to his emancipated spirits gaze; 
and he shall join that glorious multitude, and shall 
unite his voice with theirs in that sweet song, and 
shall partake himself of all the pure and satisfying 
pleasures which imagination, purified and illumined 
by the Holy Ghost, here presents to his view, as en- 
joyed by the spirits that dwell continually ip the 
light of God's countenance! And thus, while ima- 
gination unveils heaven to his eye, at the same time 
faith, purifying his heart, while reminding him that 
this heaven is to be his own eternal home, increases 
his meetness for its high and holy songs and services, 
and enables him even on earth to foretaste its ever- 
lasting fulness of joy. 

When we consider, as we before observed, what 
an important rank the imagination holds among the 
faculties of our nature, and what an important influ- 
ence it exercises over our happiness, surely it ought 
to excite our gratitude to a gracious God, that He 
has made such abundant provision, in His own blessed 
word, in its recorded history of the past, and its pro- 
phetical picture of the future, for the more than in- 
nocent, the salutary and sanctifying enjoyment of a 
faculty, which, according to its right or wrong em- 
ployment, must be productive of so much good or ill 
— must administer so extensively to our weal or wo. 

The peculiar benefit which results from this sanc- 
tified use of the imagination, thus expatiating through 
the hallowed field of Scripture narrative and Scrip- 
ture prophecy, is, that it tends directly, when thus 
employed, to promote heavenly-mindedness — to stir 
up the believer to increased exertions, for the accom- 
plishment of predicted millennial glories, and the at- 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



219 



tainment of the highest degree of meetness for the 
enjoyments of a holy heaven, and to invigorate him 
for the discharge of his various appointed duties, by 
the strength and refreshment which are supplied by 
the foretaste of celestial happiness, on which the ima- 
gination delights to feast. 

The importance of this consideration will yet more 
fully appear, if we contrast the influence of the in- 
dulgence of the imagination in the fields of fictitious 
sentimentalism, with that which results from its in- 
dulgence in the fields of scriptural truth. Of a large 
class of novels, we would say in the words of a dis- 
tinguished Christian writer, "They corrupt the taste, 
pollute the heart, debase the mind, demoralize the 
conduct! They bring all the high faculties of the 
soul into subjection to an imagination, which they 
have first made wild, insane, and uncontrollable. 
They generate a morbid sickly sentimentalism, in- 
stead of a just and lovely sensibility. A wise man 
should despise them, and a good man should abhor 
them." 

These observations will emphatically apply to a 
style of writing which is becoming alarmingly pre- 
valent in our day, and which is pre-eminently 
calculated to degrade the intellect, deprave the taste, 
and destroy all sobriety, seriousness, and spirituality 
of feeling. In this class of works, the whole object 
appears to be, to excite the risible faculties, by ex- 
hibiting every thing in a ludicrous aspect or associa- 
tion. No sense of religious obligation seems to be 
entertained — no standard even of moral principle is 
held up — all is frolic, adventure, gaiety, and mirth. 
The great aim seems to be to represent life as a 
comedy, or rather as a farce, whose scenes are got 
up entirely to provoke a laugh. Now this might 
have been suitable enough in an Epicurean of old, 
whose favourite maxim it was, "Let us eat, and drink, 
and be merry, for to-morrow we die !" — but it is 



220 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

awfully unsuitable in the professing followers of a 
crucified Saviour, to whom their divine Master has 
addressed the solemn admonition, "He that soweth 
to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption." — 
"Be sober, be watchful; for you know neither the 
day nor the hour when the Son of man cometh." 
I cannot conceive a more mischievous style of writ- 
ing, especially to the young, the inexperienced, and 
the ardent. It indisposes the mind for all sober re- 
flection, or religious meditation. It tends totally to 
destroy all seriousness of spirit, or solidity of cha- 
racter. It unfits for the vigorous discharge of the 
duties of this world, and obliterates all thoughts of 
the necessity of preparing to appear before the judg- 
ment-seat of Christ. It gives a radically wrong 
view of the object of life and the sources of happi- 
ness. It creates a taste for wild adventures and 
reckless frolic — a thirst for carnal mirth and sensual 
indulgences — and a tendency to look at every thing 
in a ridiculous light, as if the great purpose of exis- 
tence was to laugh away our lives, and banish every 
solemn reflection from our minds. I have already 
said that I am no enemy to social cheerfulness; no 
advocate for monastic gloom. Yet I cannot forbear 
asking the question — Is ours a world for such an 
exhibition as this? What! A world which sin has 
blighted with its curse, which sorrow has turned 
into a wilderness, and the anger of its Maker has 
darkened with the shadow of death ! A world which 
is to all who dwell in it the threshold of eternity, 
and which must be to each of us individually the 
portal of heaven or the vestibule of hell! A world 
whose crimes drew down its Creator from heaven 
to the cross, and in whose inhabitants' startled ears 
we know not how soon the awful voice of the arch- 
angel may cry out — "Behold! the Bridegroom 
cometh ! go ye forth to meet Him !" 

Is this a world in which we have nothing to do 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



221 



but laugh, and dance, and sing, and run riot in wild 
frivolity and ungodly mirth ? — we, who are sent into 
it to glorify God, to benefit mankind, and to secure 
an eternity of happiness — we, for whose redemption 
from sin and ruin God's co-eternal Son descended 
from heaven, and sorrowed, and suffered, and bled, 
and died upon earth ! Should we, who are standing 
every instant on the very brink of eternity, and 
know not the moment we may enter (if not shelter- 
ed in a Saviour's arms) on a world of everlasting 
wo — should we pursue a wild career of reckless 
gaiety, forgetful alike of all that concerns us as 
mortal, yet immortal beings — of God, of death, of 
judgment, of eternity ? Oh ! does it not well be- 
come us to be serious in such a world as this ? Is 
not God in earnest in beseeching of us not to neglect 
the great salvation of His well-beloved Son ? Was 
not the Son of God in earnest when He died for our 
redemption on the cross? Is not the Holy Spirit 
in earnest in entreating of us to flee from the wrath 
to come? Is not Satan in earnest in seeking to 
seduce and to destroy our undying souls? Is not 
heaven, with its everlasting joys, and hell, with its 
everlasting horrors — oh! are not these serious things, 
when we reflect, that in one or the other we must 
take up our everlasting abode? And does it then 
become us to be triflers in such circumstances as 
these? If we have no well grounded hope of an 
interest in Christ, and through Him of an eternity 
of happiness, is not the poor maniac dancing in his 
chains, in frenzied excitement, on a precipice's brink, 
a feeble emblem of our madness, sporting in wild 
and wanton merriment on the very brink of hell ? 
And can there be a class of writings more ruinous 
to our best interests than that which would encou- 
rage us to pursue this fatal career; and to indulge in 
thoughtless gaiety, while hurrying with unsteady 
step along the very margin of the lake that burns 



222 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

with fire unquenchable? Alas! what incalculable 
injury, little thought of, and I would fain hope as 
little designed by those who indulge in them, are 
such writings calculated to inflict, more especially 
on the youthful mind ! Surely, if its authors would 
seriously lay this to heart, no bribe of popularity or 
pecuniary profit would be powerful enough to in- 
duce them to be guilty of such fearful cruelty to 
their fellow-travellers to eternity ! 

But there is a different class of fictitious stories, 
which though not chargeable with such appalling 
consequences, is attended with peculiar faults and 
dangers of its own ; and in reference to this class, 
which I would designate as the sentimental, I would 
now offer a few observations. 

One of the most injurious effects which such 
works of fiction produce, is the. excitement of a feel- 
ing of disrelish and distaste for the ordinary scenes 
and duties of domestic life. A vitiated taste for the 
romantic is generated. The scenes delineated in 
such works are so full of incident and interest, and 
are depicted in such attractive colouring, that the 
scenes of common-place life appear, in the compari- 
son, "weary, stale, flat, and unprofitable." 

The imagination is so fascinated by the descrip- 
tions of ideal beauty, and interesting adventures, 
and romantic sentiment, with which such works 
abound, that it looks on the routine of real life, and 
its every-day duties, as insupportably insipid and 
wearisome. Like a vitiated appetite, which cannot 
relish plain food, but requires to be stimulated by 
highly seasoned dishes, the taste of the enthusiastic 
lover of fiction, whether in poetry or prose, dis- 
relishes the simple pleasures of ordinary life, and 
can only be satisfied with high-wrought sensibilities 
and scenes, which administer gratification to its appe- 
tite for the extravagancies of romance. Now, as the 
great bulk of life, in most instances, is made up of 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



223 



common-place incidents and unromantic feelings, it 
is obvious that those who desire to live in an ideal 
world, peopled with such characters, and fraught 
with such adventures as the pages of fiction supply, 
must besubject to a sensation of perpetual disappoint- 
ment and disgust, arising from the contrast between 
the life of reality and the life of romance. 

It is this which constitutes the essential mischief 
of novel reading. There is a fatal fascination in this 
species of fiction, by which the imagination of the 
enthusiast is, as it were, spell-bound, and feels itself 
alike unwilling and unable to dissolve the . charm, 
which makes the ideal world, thus pictured before 
the mind, appear to the enraptured eye like en- 
chanted ground. 

To break away from this scene of enchantment, 
and engage in the every-day concerns of this un- 
sentimental world, and hold converse w T ith the 
every-day characters with which it abounds, seems 
to such a spirit insufferably tiresome. The melan- 
choly result is, that domestic blessings, which ought 
to excite the warmest gratitude, are thanklessly re- 
ceived. Domestic duties, in the affectionate and 
faithful discharge of which, on Christian principles, 
true happiness consists, are entirely neglected, or 
heartlessly performed. The real wants and woes 
of the surrounding children of poverty and suffering 
are left unsoothed and unrelieved, while the heart 
wastes its sympathy on fictitious sorrows; and thus, 
by a process which the constitution of our nature 
will explain to a philosopher, (as the profound 
Butler has shown in his admirable Analogy,) and 
which the experience of every devoted novel reader 
must painfully confirm, in proportion as the heart is 
more habituated to expend its sensibilities on senti- 
mental sorrows, it becomes more hardened and in- 
sensible to the appeals of real grief. 

It 'ought not to be overlooked, in considering this 



224 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

subject, that the poison of this style of reading 
operates most powerfully on the very individuals 
whose mental system is most susceptible of its in- 
fectious influence, from a pre-disposition to the 
disease which novel-reading is so fearfully fitted to 
engender and to increase. It is those whose too 
ardent imaginations would require rather to be 
sobered by solid instruction, and, in some cases, even 
steadied by the severer sciences, than to be stimu- 
lated by over-wrought pictures of romantic sentimen- 
talism, who will most delight to indulge in this 
dangerous, because to them intoxicating draught. 
Their diseased imagination (for when this faculty is 
not purified, and regulated by religious principle, it 
is always diseased) prompts them to devour this 
highly seasoned, but most unwholesome food, which 
in return feeds the disease that prompts the desire 
for this perniciously stimulating style of work. 
Thus the desire and the indulgence act on each 
other, as reciprocally cause and effect, and the " in- 
crease of appetite" for such reading " but grows by 
what it feeds upon." These mischievous conse- 
quences are chargeable even against those works of 
fiction, in which, while the imagination is danger- 
ously inflamed, there is no violation of purity — no 
seductive voluptuousness. For where the tendency 
of fictitious composition, whether in verse or prose, 
is to foster such a spirit, it must be regarded as one 
of Satan's most effective instruments for debauching 
the imagination, and thus destroying the soul ! And 
it cannot surely be deemed necessary to warn any 
real Christian against a species of reading which 
offers such a peculiar insult to the God of purity, 
and stains, with such sullying defilement, that purity 
of heart which must be so carefully cultivated by all 
who desire to see a hoty God, either in His partial 
manifestation of divine grace on earth, or the fuller 
manifestation of His glory in heaven ! In truth, 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



225 



with such a nature as ours, even when renewed by 
the sanctifying influences of the Holv Ghost, to 
venture on such reading as suggests impure thoughts, 
or insinuates a voluptuous spirit, is an act of suicidal 
guilt and madness, against which we would affec- 
tionately and solemnly warn all that bear the Chris- 
tian name, and do not deliberately prefer the sug- 
gestions of Satan to the commands of God ! 

There is one class of fictitious narratives, in re- 
gard to which, as I am led to the consideration of 
the subject, I would desire to subjoin a few words 
of friendly caution to the Christian reader. I allude 
to fictitious narratives of a religious character, in the 
perusal of which much circumspection is required, 
and much moderation should be employed. I am 
far, indeed, from thinking, that there is any reason- 
able or scriptural objection, to employing fiction as 
a vehicle for the conveyance and inculcation of re- 
ligious truth. The parables of our blessed Lord 
(which there is every reason to believe are fictitious 
stories) appear decisively to warrant the employ- 
ment of fiction as a medium of religious instruction. 
And the example thus given by the highest of all 
authorities has been, in many instances, most happily 
and successfully followed by Christian authors, who 
have combined the charms of a brilliant imagination 
with soundness of judgment and sobriety of spirit; 
and thus enlisted in the service of the sanctuary that 
love of interesting narrative, and delight in the 
embellishments of graceful composition, which are 
so closely interwoven into the very texture of our 
mental frame. Need I do more, to substantiate this 
assertion, than allude to that 

"Ingenious dreamer, in whose well-told tale 
Sweet fiction and sweet truth alike prevail — 
Whose humorous vein, strong sense, and simple style, 
May teach the gayest — make the gravest smile; 
Witty, and well employed, and, like his Lord. 
Speaking in parables His slighted word."' 
20 



226 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

Who that loves the Saviour's name but must echo 
the heart-felt tribute, thus paid to Bunyan, by the 
saintly Cowper, and, with him, 

''Revere the man, whose pilgrim marks the road 3 
And guides the progress of the soul to God ! ;; 

But while I thus gladly appeal to his exquisite 
allegory, as a proof how effectually fiction may be 
made to subserve the cause of truth, I cannot refrain 
from subjoining an admonitory hint to those who 
may be disposed to indulge too largely in a style of 
religious reading which requires to be rather spa- 
ringly enjoyed, and its results to be very carefully 
watched. 

There can be no doubt, that an excessive indul- 
gence in the perusal of works of religious fiction, 
(to which many professing Christians, in our day, 
are I fear quite too prone,) tends to generate a 
species of sentimental piety which may be easily 
mistaken for that devoted love to the Saviour, and 
zeal for His glory, without which all religious pro- 
fession is an empty name. The characters are often 
delineated with such extravagant colouring, as mon- 
sters of faultless perfection, and the scenes de- 
scribed with such romantic interest, as surpassingly 
strange or delightful, that the Christian characters 
and scenes which real life exhibits, appear in the 
comparison unattractive and uninteresting. The 
inconsistencies that the former exhibit, and the re- 
volting circumstances by which the latter are so 
often accompanied, in the abodes of actual wretch- 
edness, excite dissatisfaction and disgust. The 
pleasure derived from the perusal of a well-told tale, 
diversified with striking incidents, and rendered 
entertaining by the development of the characters 
and destiny of the different personages, introduced 
into the story, is fearfully liable to be mistaken for 
a harmony of sentiment with the piety which per- 



OF THUE HAPPINESS. 



227 



vades the work. And thus the reader is in danger 
of being satisfied with his own state, because he finds 
himself capable of sympathizing with the spiritual 
joys and sorrows of the religious characters whose 
history he is engaged in studying. The truth may 
be, that what awakens and sustains his interest in 
the work, is exclusively the story, altogether inde- 
pendent of its religious complexion. And thus may 
a most dangerous delusion be fostered, by an unre- 
newed mind being led to mistake its real condition, 
and to fancy itself influenced by a vital principle of 
godliness, because it relishes a narrative of scenes 
and characters in which that principle prevails. 
One of the surest tests, by which the sincerity of 
this supposed congeniality with.those characters and 
scenes may be ascertained, is, whether there is a 
proportionable pleasure in secret communion with 
God by prayer, and in the private perusal of the 
word of God? For we may feel assured, that if, 
while our interest in reading a religious work of 
fiction is very intense, communion with God in 
prayer, and the perusal of His word, are felt to be 
wearisome, we are either deceiving ourselves in the 
idea that we are spiritually alive at all, or our 
spiritual life is at a low ebb indeed. Nor should 
we ever indulge the hope that any style of religious 
reading is profitable to us, if we do not find that it 
additionally endears to us the word of God, and 
leads us to study that blessed book with increased 
relish and delight. 

We would therefore affectionately caution the 
Christian reader against indulging in a taste for 
religious fiction, in preference to those more solid 
and sober religious works, which tend to invigorate 
the mind, to regulate the passions, and give firm- 
ness and stability to the character. 

We would say to him — Be much in the study of 
more practical and profitable works, especially those 



228 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

of the older divines. They will furnish you with 
substantial and really nutritious food for your mind. 
Familiarize yourself with those writers in whose 
pages you will find the precious truths of the Gospel 
enforced with seriousness, faithfulness, and impres- 
siveness ; and at the same time recommended by the 
subordinate attractions of talent and taste. Select, 
as your favourite companions, the works of Latimer 
and Ridley, of Jewell and Reynolds, of Beveridge 
and Baxter, of Hall and Hooker, of Watts and Dod- 
dridge, of Usher and Leighton; or those later lights 
of the church — Flavel and Fletcher, Walker and 
Her vey,Gur nail and Ed wards, New ton and Romaine, 
Searle and Howe, Scott and Henry, Venn and 
Leigh Richmond, Cecil and Simeon, Marty n, Wil- 
berforee, and Hannah More. Or, to name but a 
few living authors, whose pages will supply equal 
profit and delight, study with attention the writings 
of Sumner and Chalmers, Bickersteth and Taylor, 
O'Brien and Abercrombie, M'Neile and Bradley, 
Charlotte Elizabeth and Caroline Fry, Cunningham 
and Close, Bridges and Blunt. Christian Biography 
will also furnish a rich feast of profitable and plea- 
surable reading, far more improving, and, to a sound 
and well regulated mind, more interesting than the 
pages of religious fiction can supply. Milner's 
Church History will open a wide field for delightful 
study; and Edwards on Redemption will develop, 
in the most attractive manner, God's providential 
government of the world, in connexion with the 
glorious scheme of redeeming love. Home's Intro- 
duction to the critical Study of the Scriptures is a 
condensed library of religious knowledge. The 
lives of distinguished missionaries,, especially Brai- 
nerd and Elliott, Swartz and Martyn, Carey and 
Morrison, and the records of missionary labours, 
particularly, Ellis' and Williams', will supply safe 
and even salutary gratification for that love of 



OP TRUE HAPPINESS. 



229 



strange and interesting adventures, which is so 
natural to the youthful mind. But there is one 
work, I would emphatically recommend to the 
young and imaginative Christian, as it combines all 
the fascinations of romantic fiction, with all the 
solidity of historical truth, and recommends evan- 
gelical sentiments by the charms of a vigorous and 
attractive style. I need scarcely add, that I mean 
D'Aubigne's History of the Reformation. While, 
however, we thus recommend to the Christian, other 
styles of religious reading, above all we should say, 
let the Bible be to you the book of books — "your 
guide, companion, and familiar friend !" Gather 
in this field every morning the daily portion of 
heavenly manna, to sustain and nourish your soul to 
everlasting life ! Here, too, to take but a glance at 
the diversified character of its contents — you will 
find suitable provision for every facult}^, every taste. 
The Bible is, in fact, a divine Encyclopaedia in it- 
self. ■ It contains history, the most authentic and 
ancient, tracing back to the first creation of our 
world; and prophecy, the most important and inte- 
resting, tracing forward to its final consummation; 
journeys, surpassing all others in the marvellousness 
of their adventures, and the dignity of their guide, 
for they were marked by miracles at every step, 
and in every movement directed by God; the 
travels of the most distinguished missionaries, the 
first preachers of the Gospel ; and the lives of 
the most illustrious personages, including the bio- 
graphy of the Son of God; events, more wonder- 
ful than romance ever imagined; and stories, more 
fascinating than fancy ever sketched; the finest spe- 
cimens of poetry and eloquence, of sound philo- 
sophy and solid argument ; models of virtue, the 
most attractive ; and maxims of wisdom, the most 
profound; forms of prayer, the most appropriate in 
every variety of spiritual experience; and songs of 
20* 



230 THE GOSPEL PKOMOTIVE 

praise, that would not be unworthy of an angel's 
tongue — precepts of unparalleled importance; and 
parables of unrivalled beauty ; examples of consist- 
ent piety, suited to every situation ; and lessons of 
divine instruction, adapted to every age! 

But, above all, this blessed book deserves and de- 
mands your persevering and prayerful study, because 
it reveals the only way of salvation, by testifying of 
Him who is the only Saviour — who is Himself 
"the Way, the Truth, and the Life"— the Alpha 
and Omega of a sinner's hopes — the sum and sub- 
stance of a sinner's salvation ! This is the only book 
in which you are certain of finding "truth without 
any mixture of error" — -the only one which you are 
sure that the Holy Spirit has indited by His infalli- 
ble inspiration, and whose devout perusal, engaged 
in with prayer for His divine" teaching, He has 
promised and pledged Himself to bless! 

Beware, then, of substituting any style of reli- 
gious reading, however excellent in itself, for the 
perusal of the word of God! If you do so, that 
God, who is jealous of the honour of His own word, 
will withhold His blessing from the book (were it 
even the most spiritual and heavenly-minded ever 
composed by uninspired man) which is allowed to 
usurp, in your regard and study, the place which 
is exclusively the prerogative of the oracles of di- 
vine truth. The consequence will be, that, how- 
ever you may be amused, you will not be pro- 
fited by such reading. Unaccompanied by the 
power of the Holy Spirit, it will not communicate 
a single particle of spiritual strength or refresh- 
ment to your soul. The light that shines on the 
pages of the book, however brilliant, will not warm 
your heart with a Saviour's love. No dew of divine 
grace will distil from its leaves, however rich in 
piety or genius, to revive your drooping soul. Try 
then, I would affectionately advise you, the effect of 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



231 



all your religions reading by the test I have pro- 
posed — what influence it appears to exercise over 
your relish for the reading of the Bible. 

If you find a decided increase in your taste for 
the study of this blessed book; if you feel it to be 
more precious to your soul ; that your desire for it 
is quickened, and your delight in it deepened; then 
may you hope that a blessing is resting on whatever 
religious works you are studying, when they are 
thus regarded, and valued only as handmaids to the 
word of God. But if you find a contrary effect pro- 
duced; that you take up the religious work, espe- 
cially if it be a work of fiction, with desire, peruse 
it with delight, and lay it down with regret, while 
you commence the study of the Bible with reluc- 
tance, continue it with wearisomeness, and close it 
with a feeling of satisfaction because the task, which 
conscience compelled you to undertake, is finished, 
then, be assured, your religious reading, however 
excellent in itself, or fascinating in its effects, is un- 
attended with the blessing of God, or any profit to 
your own soul. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



THEATRICAL AMUSEMENTS. 

Before I close this part of our subject, I would 
briefly advert to a species of intellectual enjoyment 
peculiarly attractive, but proportionably injurious, 
against which I would lift up my humble voice in 
the language of the most unqualified condemnation, 
as a species of intellectual gratification altogether in- 
compatible with the spirit of watchfulness which 
the Christian ought habitually to cherish, and with 
the obligation which he owes to his Divine Re- 



232 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

deemer'slove. I mean theatrical amusements. How- 
can I, as an ambassador of Christ, speak otherwise 
of an amusement which tends to thwart the very 
purpose for which the Son of God, the Saviour of 
mankind, lived a life of sorrow, and died a death of 
shame! — an amusement which is so impregnated 
with the spirit of voluptuousness that it necessarily 
tends to give the sensual part of our nature a fearful 
predominance over the spiritual, and to kindle the 
sparks of sinful passions within us into an unhallowed 
flame! — an amusement where every thing that can 
excite and stimulate a wanton imagination and wan- 
ton appetites, is made to minister to the gratification 
of those feelings which Christianity calls on us to 
crucify! — an amusement, where the ear of modesty 
is insulted by language that no man would dare to 
address in society to any correct female; and the 
eye wounded by witnessing scenes w T hich no virtu- 
ous woman should ever be allowed to see; where 
the meaning of the indelicate innuendo is made dis- 
gustingly plain by the unequivocal interpretation of 
improper looks and gestures, and the virgin purity 
of the youthful mind is sullied by allusions and ex- 
hibitions which must leave a polluting stain on the 
mirror of the soul ! — an amusement, where the name 
of God is blasphemed, and the solemnities of wor- 
ship profaned by being used, not in seriousness of 
spirit, but for the purposes of entertainment, unac- 
companied by a trace of reverential feeling towards 
Him who has declared, that He will in no wise hold 
him guiltless that taketh His name in vain ! — an 
amusement which fearfully perils the immortal souls 
of those engaged in its representations by familiar- 
izing them with scenes, and exposing them to snares, 
that render the escape of its youthful members from 
the contagious influence of surrounding licentious- 
ness a kind of moral miracle, the preservation of fe- 
male virtue most frightfully hazardous, and the ex- 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 233 

istence and growth of religious feeling, may we not 
say, an actual impossibility, in the very nature of 
things! — an amusement which holds up a standard 
of morality diametrically opposed to the standard of 
the Gospel; exhibiting a haughty, resentful spirit, 
firing up at the appearance of an affront, as the ob- 
ject of admiration; and a meek, forgiving spirit, 
bearing injuries and insults with uncomplaining pa- 
tience, as the object of contempt! — an amusement, 
in fine, which (I do not hesitate to assert my deliberate 
conviction) is calculated to cherish every feeling 
which Christianity forbids, and to discountenance 
every disposition which Christianity desires to pro- 
mote! 

Oh! how can professing Christians patronise such 
an amusement as this! How can those who love 
the Saviour take Dleasure in a recreation which tends 
to defeat the very design for which that Saviour 
lived and died on earth! How can Christian pa- 
rents bring their sons and daughters into scenes 
where they are compelled to listen to language the 
most offensive to youthful modesty, and to witness 
exhibitions that must sully the purity of the youth- 
ful mind! How can those who reverence Jehovah 
sanction by their presence a place where His name 
is blasphemed! or those who know the preciousness 
and power of prayer, tolerate the awful mockery of 
the solemnities of worship which the theatre pre- 
sents! How can those whose paramount aim should 
be to promote the everlasting welfare of their fel- 
low-creatures, do all they can to ruin the immortal 
souls of multitudes of their fellow-travellers to eter- 
nity, by encouraging an amusement which exposes 
its performers and iis votaries to such fearful peril 
of everlasting destruction, in that place of torment 
"where the worm dieth not, and the fire is not 
quenched !" And how can those who are bound by 
every tie of gratitude for a Saviour's love to uphold 



■HnBBHHHHMB 



234 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

the Gospel-standard of morality, sanction a system 
of morals which, in every essential feature, is the 
very opposite of that which the Gospel has set up ! 
And, above all, how can those who profess to be 
looking and longing for the " appearing of the great 
God, our Saviour," and to know neither the day 
nor the hour in which He may appear, and who 
have heard from His lips the solemn warning — 
"Surely I come quickly: watch, therefore, and be 
ye always ready !" — oh ! how can they ever be 
found in a place where it would be a very mockery 
to pretend that they were watching for the coming 
of the Son of man ! What, what, I would ask, 
would be the feelings of a follower of the Saviour 
if he were to be surprised at the theatre by the sud- 
den summons— "Behold the Bridegroom is coming! 
go ye out to meet Him !" Could he go forth at the 
startling cry with joy to meet, his coming Lord? 
Or could he hope, if surprised by His appearance 
in the midst of such a scene, for the blessedness 
promised to the servant whom his Lord when He 
cometh shall find watching? 

I would confirm my opinion on this subject by 
the valuable testimony of that distinguished servant 
of God, the late Mr. Wilberforce, who, in his ad- 
mirable " Practical View of Christianity/' has left 
the following record of his protest against the 
stage : — 

"lam well aware that I am now about to tread on very tender 
ground ; but it would be an improper deference to the opinions and man- 
ners of the age altogether to avoid it. There has been much argument con- 
cerning the lawfulness of theatrical amusements. Let it be sufficient to 
remark, that the controversy would be short indeed, if the question were 
to be tried by this criterion of love to the Supreme Being. If there were 
any thing of that sensibility for the honour of God, and of that zeal in 
His service, which we show in behalf of our earthly friends, or of our 
political connexions, should we seek our pleasure in that place which the 
debauchee, inflamed with wine, or bent on the gratification of other licen- 
tious appetites, finds most congenial to his state and temper of mind 1 
In that place, from the neighbourhood of which (how justly termed a 
' school of morals ' might hence alone be inferred) decorum, and modesty, 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



235 



and regularity retire, while riot and lewdness are invited to the spot, and 
invariably select it for their chosen residence : where the sacred name of 
God is often profaned ; where sentiments are often heard with delight, 
and motions and gestures often applauded, which would not be tolerated 
in private company, but which may far exceed the utmost license allowed 
in the social circle, without at all transgressing the large bounds of theatrical 
decorum: where, when moral principles are inculcated, they are not such 
as a Christian ought to cherish in his breast, but such as it must be his 
daily endeavour to extirpate ; not those which Scripture warrants, but 
those which it condemns as false and spurious, being founded in pride 
and ambition, and the over-valuation of human favours ; where, surely, 
if a Christian should trust himself at all. it would be requisite for him 
to prepare himself with a double portion of watchfulness and seriousness 
of mind, instead of selecting it as the place in which he may throw off 
his guard, and unbend without danger! The justness of this last re- 
mark, and the general tendency of theatrical amusements, are attested by 
the same well-instructed master in the science of human life, to whom 
we had before occasion to refer. By him they are recommended as the 
most efficacious expedient for relaxing, among any people, that preciseness 
and austerity of morals, to use his own phrase, which, under the name 
of holiness, it is the business of Scripture to inculcate and enforce. Nor 
is this position merely theoretical. The experiment was tried, and tried 
successfully, in a city upon the Continent, in which it was wished to 
corrupt the simple morality of purer times. Let us try the question by 
a parallel instance. 

" What judgment should we form of the warmth of that man's at- 
tachment to his sovereign, who, at seasons of recreation, should seek 
his pleasure in scenes so ill-accordant with the principle of loyalty, as 
those of which we have been speaking are with the genius of religion ! 
If, for the purpose, he were to select the place, and frequent the amuse- 
ments to which Democrats and Jacobins should love to resort for enter- 
tainment, and in which they should find themselves so much at home, as 
invariably to select the spot for their abiding habitation ; where dialogue, 
and song, and the intelligible language of gesticulation, should be used 
to convey ideas and sentiments, not perhaps palpably treasonable, or fall- 
ing directly within the strict precision of any legal limits, but yet, palpa- 
bly contrary to the spirit of monarchical government : which, further, 
the highest authorities had recommended as sovereign specifics for cool- 
ing the warmth, and enlarging the narrowness, of an excessive loyalty ! 
"What opinion should we form of the delicacy of that friendship, or of the 
fidelity of that love, which, in relation to their respective objects, should 
exhibit the same contradictions'?" 

Not less decided, and, if possible, even more va- 
luable, is the testimony of one, whose writings fur- 
nish a most valuable treasury of sound practical 
theology; and whose name will continue to be che- 
rished with grateful admiration, and affectionate 
esteem, so long as this tribute shall continue to be 



236 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

paid to talents and attainments of the very highest 
order, consecrated to the Saviour's service, and 
recommended by all the winning graces of the 
Christian character, and the consistent exhibition of 
a holy and devoted life. The testimony of Hannah 
More derives also peculiar force from the considera- 
tion, that, in addition to the high character and 
qualifications of the witness, her early preposses- 
sions were in favour of the stage, and the first efforts 
of her genius enlisted in its cause. 

This stamps on her protest against the theatre the 
peculiar value of a conviction forced on the mind in 
opposition to long-cherished opinions, by the irre- 
sistible power of Christian truth; and a concession, 
extorted from the conscience, in spite of the plead- 
ings of early prepossessions, by the uncompro- 
mising demands of Christian principle. This pro- 
test is recorded in her admirable preface to the two 
tragedies which she wrote before the light of the 
Gospel had illuminated her understanding, or the 
love of the Saviour warmed her heart. The entire 
preface well deserves, and will richly repay, the 
attentive perusal of all who wish to form a right 
judgment in this matter. The following extract, 
referring to what will be at once admitted to be the 
least objectionable of dramatic representations, the 
productions of the tragic muse, will suffice to show 
the decided tone, and scriptural grounds, of her 
protest against theatrical amusements : — 

" What I insist on is, that there almost inevitably runs through the 
whole web of the tragic drama, (for to this least blameable half of 
stage composition.1 confine my remarks, as against comedy still stronger 
objections may be urged.) a prominent thread of false principle, it is 
generally the leading object of the poet to erect a standard of honour in 
direct opposition " to the standard of Christianity ; and this is not done 
suboruinately, incidentally, occasionally ; but worldly honour is the very 
soul, spirit, and life-giving principle of the drama. 

" Injured honour can only be vindicated at the point of the sword ; 
the stains of injured reputation can only be washed out in blood. Love, 
jealousy, hatred, ambition, pride, revenge, are too often elevated into 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 237 

the rank of splendid virtues, and form a dazzling system of worldly mo- 
rality, in direct contradiction to the spirit of that religion whose cha- 
racteristics are 'charity, meekness, peaceableness, long suffering,"gentle- 
ness. forgiveness.' 

" When it is recollected how many young men pick up their habits 
of thinking, and their notions of morality from the play house, it is not, 
perhaps, going too far to suspect that the principles and examples ex- 
hibited on the stage, may^contribute, in their full measure and propor- 
tion, towards supplying a sort of regular aliment to the appetite (how 
dreadfully increased!) for duelling and even suicide The elo- 
quent apologies, and the elaborate vindication of the crimes resulting 
from the point of honour, and the dread of shame, (and with such apo- 
logies and vindications some of our most approved pieces abound.) too 
temptingly invite the high unbroken spirit of a warm youth, from ad- 
miring such sentiments to adopt them; and when he hears the bursts of 
applause with which these sallies of resentment, these vows of vengeance, 
these determinations to destroy or be destroyed, this solemn obtesting 
the great Judge of hearts to witness the innocence of— perhaps a very 
criminal action or intention— are received by a transported audience, 
will it not operate, as a kind of stimulus to him to adopt a similar con- 
duct, should he ever be placed in similar circumstances 1 - A little tame 
tag of morality, set to a few musical periods by the unimpassioned 
friend, is borne down, absorbed, lost in the impetuous but too engaging 
character of the feeling fiery hero. The drowsy moral at the close 
slowly attempts to creep after the poison of the piece, but it creeps in 
vain : it can never expel that which it can never reach. Of course, the 
concluding antidote never defeats the mischief of the piece: the effect of 
the smooth moral is instantly obliterated, while that of the indented pas- 
sion is perhaps indelible." 

" Modesty," observes Doctor Bennett, in his able sermon on this sub- 
ject, " constitutes the fairest charm of the female character— the diamond 
among pearls — without which beauty, however dazzling, or accomplish- 
ments, however brilliant, cannot command well-founded or permanent 
admiration and respect. But can this jewel remain untarnished amid 
scenes where profaneness and licentiousness reign triumphant? Let 
us make a reply from a justly popular writer (Mr. Gisborne) — ' Among 
the usual causes by which female modesty is worn away, I know not 
one more efficacious than the indelicate scenes and language to which 
women are familiarized at the theatre. Nor among the causes by which 
simplicity of manners is corrupted — the habit of viewing, with compla- 
cency, persons of infamous character, is acquired — a variety of false 
principles is upheld — and pride in particular, under different forms and 
modifications, is encouraged — can there be named any one apparently 
more powerful than the stage ? 

"Is it well to habituate the young female to expressions of equivocal, 
or sometimes very unequivocally improper meaning, until she ceases to 
blush at the indecency, having learned to be an actress herself, and to 
look as if she did not understand it] Parents! is such the education 
you wish to give your daughters 1" 

I will only add the testimony of an eminent mi- 
21 



MBHB^M 



■WiS^H 



238 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

nister of the Gospel, who has lately entered into the 
joy of his Lord — a man of truly apostolical charac- 
ter, whose opinion will have deserved weight with 
all, who knew how pre-eminently he was distin- 
guished for the most ardent zeal for the glory of 
God and the salvation of souls, regulated in all its 
movements by the sobriety of a sound mind, and 
sweetened in all its manifestations by the spirit of 
Christian love — the late Rev. Peter Roe. In one of 
his letters (see Life, p. 329 — a work I would warm- 
ly recommend to all who desire to become more in- 
timately acquainted with the heavenly character and 
devoted life of that eminent saint and servant of 
God,) he designates the theatre, " that place of folly, 
where not only the dresses, decorations, company, 
conversation, music, attitudes of the performers, are 
calculated to banish from the mind every serious, 
every chaste, every correct, I will not say religious 
thought, but where the glorious truth of God has 
been reviled — where the solemn demeanour which 
becomes those who have their treasure in heaven, 
has been mimicked — and where the humble follow- 
ers of Jesus have been held up as objects only fit 
for the raillery of the infidel or the debauchee." 
Again, (p. 332,) he observes: — 

" Nothing more deceives the heart, as well as 
the imagination, than theatrical representations. 
They do indeed unfit the mind for reflection, me- 
ditation, and prayer. They keep eternity out of 
view; they generate or encourage false principles, 
and teach men to call evil good and good evil ! ' to 
put light for darkness and darkness for light/ ' bit- 
ter for sweet and sweet for bitter.' The time that 
ought to be redeemed is wasted by them ; the talents 
that ought to be employed in the service and to the 
glory of God, are sacrificed at the shrine of folly, 
fashion, and impiety; and those who associate toge- 
ther, whether as the performers or the audience, in- 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS, 239 

stead of provoking each other to love and good 
works, are fellow-helpers in a work of darkness, of 
sin, and of eventual misery, if not rescued by Al- 
mighty grace. At r dny time, and under any cir- 
cumstances, plays must be regarded, to say the least 
of them, as a proof of human levity, folly, and in- 
fatuation ; and cannot at all consist with that sober- 
ness of mind which is so beautiful and distinguish- 
ing a trait of the Christian character. Many hea- 
thens regard them as incentives to vice, and there- 
fore discarded them. Can they be right under the 
Christian dispensation ? We may well conceive 
how they would have been regarded by our Lord 
and His apostles — by the primitive Christians, and 
by the martyrs. Could the evangelization of sin- 
ners have proceeded, if those engaged in the glori- 
ous work had spent some of their time in theatrical 
pursuits? On the contrary, if there had been no 
other impediment, would not this have been suffi- 
cient to stop this blessed work ? 

" It is, perhaps, impossible to convince the world 
of the evils of plays; but it is easy to prove the in- 
consistency of professors. Upon no principle of 
sound reason or religion can they be defended; and 
the voice of every lover of truth ought to be lifted 
up against them." 

Can any further testimony be required to prove 
the utterly anti-christian character of an amusement, 
which is so diametrically opposed to every princi- 
ple the Gospel inculcates, and every purpose, for 
which its divine Author visited our world ? — an 
amusement which Satan has always employed, as 
one of his most successful instruments, for encom- 
passing his victims with an atmosphere of earthli- 
ness; perverting their principles, polluting their 
imaginations, and inflaming their passions; enslaving 
their affections and appetites to the dominion of 
sense and the bondage of sin ; and thus extending 



■■■■»■«■■■ 



240 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

his empire of impiety and impurity upon earth ! 
Who, I repeat the question, who that loves the Sa- 
viour, can consistently sanction by his presence an 
amusement such as this? Who that prizes female 
purity can consistently patronise its pollution ? Or 
who that reverences the name of Jehovah can con- 
sistently encourage its profanation ? Who that va- 
lues the souls of his fellow-creatures can consistent- 
ly peril their everlasting salvation for his own 
amusement ? Or who that desires to have his " con- 
versation in heaven " can consistently visit a scene, 
which has proved to such numbers whom it has se- 
duced from the paths of virtue, the very vestibule 
of hell? 



CHAPTER XV. 

SOCIAL INTERCOURSE. 

The last point of view, in which I would desire 
to establish the superiority of the Christian over 
the worldling, in respect of the increased enjoyment, 
which the former is privileged to possess, of every 
purer source of earthly happiness, regards our so- 
cial and domestic affections. Here also Christianity 
places her faithful votary on a high vantage ground 
above the most successful votary of the world. For 
when our social intercourse is regulated, and our do- 
mestic affections are sanctified, by Christian princi- 
ples and Christian love, they are made capable of 
imparting a much higher degree of happiness than 
the social intercourse and domestic affections of the 
children of the world, under the most favourable cir- 
cumstances, can supply. 

Let us examine the matter, in the first instance, 
in reference to social intercourse* Now it is the 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 241 

direct tendency of the religion of the Gospel, and 
its sure result, when cordially embraced, (as we 
have already shown,) to check all those selfish arid 
unkind feelings which interrupt, and to cherish all 
those benevolent and tender emotions which pro- 
mote the harmony of social intercourse, and thus to 
render it a source of the most refined and exalted 
pleasure. What is it that makes the social inter- 
course of the children of the world so often weari- 
some, if not actually painful ? Is it not the preva- 
lence of those passions, which are altogether un- 
friendly to social enjoyment? Selfishness, exclu- 
sively engaged in seeking its own gratification, re- 
gardless of the rights or the feelings of others — 
pride, jealous of its own pretensions to notice, en- 
vious of every mark of superior distinction bestowed 
on others, and ready to take affront at the slightest 
appearance of disrespect, or the neglect of the de- 
ference which it imagines it deserves — vanity, 
intent on displaying its own fancied merits, courting 
with eager solicitude the admiration of all around, 
and soured with sullen fretfulness, if disappointed 
in its mean ambition of applause ! Is it to be 
wondered at that social enjoyment is a stranger to 
scenes, where passions so destructive of its very 
nature prevail ? Is it to be wondered at that social 
happiness, which requires for its development an 
atmosphere of affection, should be blighted by an 
atmosphere so impregnated with selfishness and 
malignity as this ? And who that knows any thing 
of the spirit which prevails in this selfish and ill- 
natured world, will deny that such is the atmosphere 
which they who mingle in its society must be con- 
tent to breathe ? 

Now contrast with this the atmosphere which 
genuine Christianity sheds around the social inter- 
course of her true disciples, an atmosphere of love — 
divine, celestial love! In what light does she teach 
21* 



wmm 



242 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

all true Christians to regard each other? Is it not 
as the members of one family, all linked together 
in the closest bonds of hallowed affection? All 
children of the same Father, all followers of the 
same Saviour, all temples of the same Spirit, all 
travellers to the same home! How many, how en- 
dearing are the ties which unite in one all that love 
the same precious Redeemer; and throw around 
their social enjoyments a charm, which has indeed 
" less of earth in it than heaven! " " Wrecked by 
the same storm, and rescued by the same Redeemer," 
how does a sense of common peril, and common 
preservation, endear them to each other! Strug- 
gling against the same enemies, fighting under the 
same banners, what powerful sympathies unite the 
hearts of all the faithful fellow-soldiers of the cross! 
Their joys and sorrows, their hopes and fears, their 
trials and consolations, their privileges and pros- 
pects, the same — how identifying is the bond of 
union, which makes them all u one in Christ!" 
They understand each other, they feel for each 
other, in a manner which the children of the 
world, so far from experiencing, cannot even com- 
prehend. This gives to their social intercourse a 
sweetness peculiar to itself, partaking, as it does, so 
essentially of the Spirit of Christ, and the atmo- 
sphere of heaven! Conscious that Jesus loves 
them all with an equal because an infinite and ever- 
lasting love, they feel attracted to each other by a 
sweet and sacred affection, which His smile alone 
can impart! 

Now, there are two circumstances which mainly 
contribute to render the social intercourse of Chris- 
tians so peculiarly sweet and refreshing. One, at 
which we have already glanced, that it is so tho- 
roughly impregnated with the spirit of love. This 
approximates their social converse to that of an at- 
tached family, whose members delight to enjoy to- 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 243 

gether affectionate communion of heart, while con- 
versing on themes of deep and equal interest to 
them all. All the bitternesses of envious and jea- 
lous feelings — all the contentious rivalries of vanity 
and pride — are banished from the hallowed circle 
where genuine Christianity presides. The spirit of 
selfishness gives place to that of Christian benevo- 
lence, delighting, by every tender ministration of 
Christ-like love, to contribute to the happiness of 
all who come within the sphere of its blessed in- 
fluence. Conceive a little band of real Christians 
thus met together, to enjoy a [ew hours of social 
converse — their hearts glowing with the love of 
Him who died for them — their countenances beam- 
ing with the peace and joy which He alone can 
give — their voices eloquent in his praise! Oh! how 
swiftly fly the hallowed hours, while His love — that 
theme of which they never tire — engages every 
heart and tongue; or they study together His blessed 
word, and speak one to another of its precious pro- 
mises and glorious prospects — or unite in social 
prayer — or blend their voices in the song of thanks- 
giving and praise — while He, of whom they thus 
delight to speak, joins Himself, as it were, to this 
little band of His disciples, and breathes His bless- 
ing over them, till the happiness of every heart, 
thus hallowed by His presence and approving smile, 
becomes a very antepast of the happiness of heaven. 
No need have they of those frivolous amusements 
which the children of the world have invented — 

" To give time a shove, 
And whirl them — happy riddance — from themselves! " 

No need of the feverish or frenzied excitement of 
gambling, that fatal antidote to the insupportable 
ennui of fashionable life — which, in its mildest 
forms, is attended by irritability of temper, and 
discomposure of spirit — in its more aggravated 



■■■■iBHHHHBMH 



244 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

shape, with covetousness, envy, hatred, and malice, 
and all uncharitableness — and, in its full-grown sta- 
ture of gigantic guilt, with fiendish malignity, and 
diabolical rage — irrevocable ruin and wild despair 
— deadly quarrels, often ending in bloodshed, and 
self-destruction both of body and soul. A pursuit 
which, more almost than any other, hardens the 
human heart into the callousness of cold misan- 
thropy, and transforms the human soul into the very 
spirit of a fiend! A pursuit whose true origin and 
end its own wretched victims appear to appreciate 
and acknowledge, when they designate the place 
where the demon of gambling holds its infernal 
orgies, by the appropriate appellation of a hell! 

Oh! with what shuddering abhorrence should 
every real Christian shrink back from the remotest 
approach to participating or countenancing such an 
amusement! And how must this view of the appal- 
ling evils attendant on every modification of gam- 
bling, lead all who love the Saviour to abstain from 
every game of chance, from every kind of lottery, 
from the race-course, and every sport where the 
spirit of gambling presides, since they must all, 
more or less, tend to produce some of its baneful ef- 
fects. 

And surely they can feel no want of the world's 
contrivances to kill time — as it is awfully expressed; 
no want of the giddy or the wanton dance, to im- 
part the short-lived delirium of godless gaiety — no 
want of music which breathes the spirit of earthly 
passion — lavishing on the creature with idolatrous 
homage, the language of love and adoration, which 
is the exclusive prerogative of the Creator. 

They do not want the excitement of false gaiety — 
for true happiness has taken up its peaceful abode in 
their hearts. They have no relish for the music 
which idolatrous passion would pour forth— for their 
ears drink in with sacred delight the melody which 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



245 



rises, in songs of grateful adoration, before the throne 
of God! They do not indeed feel themselves de- 
barred from conversation of a less serious stamp, 
provided the restraining and sanctifying spirit of 
the Gospel still presides — to prevent a tinge of 
what would sully the purity, or imbitter the kind- 
liness, that should ever characterize Christian inter- 
course. Often, in such happy meetings of a few at- 
tached Christian friends, 

"Discourse ensues, not trivial, yet not dull, 
Nor such as with a frown forbids the play 
Of fancy, or proscribes the sound of mirth. ; ' 

No! no — all the varied stores of intellectual 
wealth — the discoveries of science — the treasures 
of knowledge — all the sweet cheerfulness that well 
becomes those who are at peace with God — all the 
enlivening and gladdening converse of hallowed af- 
fection are theirs to enjoy; ay, and with a relish, 
that hearts where the peace of God resides, alone 
can feel. But, while such themes are not proscribed, 
nor such cheerfulness forbidden, they delight most 
in the theme which a Saviour's name endears to 
every heart, and cherish most the spirit of devout 
gratitude to the Lord they love. For they do not 

" Madly, like an impious world, 
Who deem religion frenzy, and the God 
That made them an intruder on their joys, 
Start at His awful name, or deem His praise 
A jarring note. ;; 

In truth, the grand discriminating distinction 
which separates between the social intercourse of 
the Christian and the worldling, and which gives 
such an immeasurable superiority to the former, as 
a source of happiness, consists in this — that it is the 
desire of the children of God, in all their social in- 
tercourse, to remember God, and to feel His pre- 
sence and His smile to be the very soul, and sub- 



^■BHnMBBBBHHHHHBl 



246 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

stance, and brightener of all their enjoyment — 
while it is the special aim and object of the children 
of the world, in all their social intercourse, to for- 
get God, and to shut Him out from their hearts and 
memories in all their recreations. Can any other 
consideration be necessary to prove how immense, 
how infinite must be the Christian's superiority 
over the worldling, in the enjoyments of social in- 
tercourse? 

This is, in truth, the essential criminality of the 
amusements of the world, that they are systemati- 
cally arranged on the plan, and for the purpose, of 
excluding God from the social circle, and enjoying 
happiness independently of Him. There is (as we 
have before remarked) a desire for happiness in the 
human heart, which was designed to draw us to 
God as the only object by whom it can be satisfied — 
a thirst for enjoyment, which was implanted to al- 
lure us to Him, as the only fountain where it can be 
quenched — a void which his love alone can fill. 
Now, worldly amusements are contrived for the ex- 
press purpose of satisfying this desire, quenching 
this thirst, and filling up this void, to the exclusion 
of the blessed God. 

They are, therefore, chargeable with the guilt of 
being a basely ungrateful contrivance, on the part of 
creatures who are literally loaded with tokens of the 
divine bounty, to be happy without Him who is the 
Source and Giver of all the blessings they enjoy. 
For will it not be admitted, that in those scenes of 
gaiety it would be out of place to advert to sacred 
subjects, to speak of the Saviour's love, or the Sa- 
viour's sufferings? And what a thought is this, to 
seek for enjoyment in a scene where you ought not 
to speak of the love of Him who, you believe, died 
for you? Now, not to dwell on the monstrous in- 
gratitude of such an effort, (and what would an 
angel think of the attempt to be happy by forgetting 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



247 



God, or a redeemed spirit in heaven, of seeking for 
enjoyment in a forgetfulness of the adorable Re- 
deeemer?) must it not be manifest, that the effort 
must be unsuccessful, so far as really satisfying 
happiness is concerned ? Can sack happiness' be 
expected to take up its abode in a breast where such 
appalling ingratitude to God is cherished? Can 
real enjoyment be compatible with such impious 
contempt of a Saviour's love? Can we hesitate for 
a moment to answer — assuredly not? To suppose 
it possible, were to suppose that God would connive 
at such daring rebellion, such revolting ingratitude 
to Himself, and permit those who thus insulted Him, 
to enjoy real happiness while offering Him such an 
inexcusable affront. We do not deny that a certain 
kind and measure of enjoyment may be derived 
from such amusements, congenializing as they do 
with the carnal desires of our fallen natures and the 
earthly affections of our alienated hearts. But we 
. do deny that it is an enjoyment which deserves the 
name of true happiness. 

We contend, that the unhallowed excitement of 
such scenes is a most miserable substitute for the 
holy peace which the love of God infuses into a be- 
liever's heart, and the holy happiness which the 
smile of God diffuses round a Christian's social in- 
tercourse. We contend, that the enjo}^ment of the 
worldling, in his favourite resorts of God-forgetting 
gaiety, is as much inferior to what the Christian en- 
joys in his hours of social converse, which the pre- 
sence of the God he loves hallows and endears, as 
the glimmering of a sickly taper is inferior in bright- 
ness to the splendour of the noon-tide sun. In the 
one scene, all is superficial, hollow, heartless. In 
the other, all is sincere, solid, and stamped with the 
genuine impress of the heart. In the one, all is tur- 
bulence, disappointment and vexation — the feverish 
excitement, or corroding mortifications, of gratified 



248 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

or wounded pride, of successful or baffled specula- 
tion, of triumphant or disappointed vanity. In the 
other, all is peace, contentment, cheerfulness — the 
arrogance of pride subdued by the spirit of Chris- 
tian humility— the selfishness of speculation ex- 
panded into the generosity of Christian love; and 
the meanness of vanity extinguished by that enno- 
bling principle — a grateful solicitude to promote 
the glory of God. In a word, the atmosphere of 
the one is essentially that of this cold world, which 
chills and blights all the generous and tender affec- 
tions; the atmosphere of the other is essentially 
that of heaven, which warms and expands all that is 
noble and benevolent in the renewed heart. Can 
we then wonder why the happiness of the children 
of God, in social intercourse, so altogether trans- 
cends that of the children of the world? 

Why then, Christian reader, why will you ever 
unnecessarily expose yourself to the infectious at- 
mosphere of worldly society? Are your spiritual 
graces so thriving that you have no need to fear the 
blighting influence of that atmosphere? Does your 
lamp of Christian faith and love burn always so 
brightly that you can with safety expose the flame 
to its chilling damp? Besides, how can you con- 
sistently go in search of happiness into scenes 
where you must not speak of Christ; or seek for 
enjoyment where you can only find it by unfaith- 
fulness to your divine Master? Will you then go 
into such scenes to compromise your character; and 
instead of seeking to raise the world to the high 
standard of the Gospel, be content yourself to sink 
to the low level of the world? Can you hope for 
happiness in a course so injurious to your own soul — 
so ungrateful to your Saviour — so insulting to your 
God ? Moreover, reflect how many a weak or wa- 
vering professor may be imboldened by your ex- 
ample to venture into an atmosphere that must be 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



249 



fatal to them. And thus, through your inconsist- 
ency, " shall the weak brother perish, for whom 
Christ died." Oh! remember "when ye sin so 
against the brethren, and wound ^heir weak con- 
science, ye sin against Christ." I feel this warn- 
ing; to be much needed in our day. There has been 
a fearful degree of amalgamation of late between 
the professing church and the world. The barriers 
of distinction that ought ever to separate them 
have been broken down. And what has been the 
result? The spirituality of the Christian character 
has been deeply injured. The standard of Gospel- 
duty has been greatly lowered. The inscription of 
non- conformity to the world, that should be bla- 
zoned on the Christian's banner, and stand out in 
such broad and legible impress on his every princi- 
ple and movement, is dim and indistinct. The 
badge of Christ's peculiar people is for a season laid 
aside, and the world's livery worn in its stead. Un- 
lawful concessions are made to the world's require- 
ments. Intimacies are formed with amiable but 
unconverted children of the world, which often 
issue in those forbidden marriages* that are so dis- 
pleasing to God, as being in direct opposition to 
His express command, and productive of so much 
misery to the parties, whose union is unhallowed 
by His approving smile. It is not, indeed, at all 
sufficiently considered, even by Christians, what an 
important influence over their character, and con- 
sequently their happiness, is exercised by the com- 
panionship which they choose. For so far as a 
Christian may be called on providentially to come 
in contact with the people of the world from the 

* May I here be permitted to refer to a work entitled " Meditations 
and Addresses," where I have lifted up my warning voice against the 
utter sinfulness, and certain misery, of such marriages, contrasted with 
the happiness of one on which the blessing of God may be expected to 
rest ? 



250 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

ties of relationship,* or in the discharge of duty, he 
may hope for the protecting presence of his God to 
shield him from hurt or harm to his soul. I speak, 
therefore, of voluntarily chosen companionship. 
Now, here I will not take the case of positively 
wicked or worthless companions (for I cannot ima- 
gine a Christian choosing such,) though I am well 
aware that if hell could be opened to our view, and 
the secrets of that prison-house of lost souls revealed, 
the testimony of myriads of its miserable inhabi- 

* When Christians are thus brought in contact with worldly relatives 
and worldly society, how earnestly should they pray that divine grace 
may sanctify their intercourse, and enable them to bear a decided testi- 
mony in their divine Master's behalf, and thus seek to promote the spi- 
ritual welfare of those who, they have reason to fear, are ignorant of the 
way of salvation, and strangers to Christ ! Oh! that they would weigh 
well the recorded convictions of one of the brightest ornaments of Chris- 
tianity in our day! "We are hopeful," says Dr. Chalmers, "that by 
taking the direct way with that relative whom you want to associate 
with yourself on the path of heaven, and telling him plainly both of sin 
and of the Saviour — that in his kindliness to you, and perhaps in the 
conversion of his own soul, your fearlessness and your faithfulness 
would have their reward. We have no doubt, that did every Christian 
come forth in the bosom of his own household with more bold and ex- 
plicit testimonies, we should at length have vastly more of Christianity 
in our land ; and that did our love for souls, and our sense of the worth 
of eternity, so far prevail as to force a way for us through the tremors 
and the delicacies of this our mysterious nature, we should at times 
realize within the precincts of home the noblest achievements of the 
missionary." Nor less worthy of our deepest attention his solemn ad- 
monition, " Because of our criminal reserve souls may have perished 
everlastingly! and just because Christianity is left out by us in conver- 
sation, many perhaps there are who have been confirmed* in the habit of 
leaving it out of their concern altogether. Thus by our shrinking timi- 
dity a countenance is given to that spirit of worldliness wherewith the 
earth throughout all its companies is overspread : and just because Chris- 
tians are not so free and frequent in their avowals as they should, the 
mischief is propagated more widely, and settled more inveterately than 
before." 

Would that the Spirit of God would bring these solemn considerations 
with such power to the hearts of all who love the Lord as would con- 
strain them so faithfully and affectionately to plead the cause of the Sa- 
viour, and of their own souls, with every unconverted relative, and friend, 
and acquaintance, that they might be able to appeal with humble confi- 
dence to their Divine Master, and say, " Lord! Thou knowest that if 
these perish everlastingly, 1 am clear in Thy sight of the blood of their 
souls! " 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 251 

tants would trace to such companionship the ruin 
of their immortal souls ! But I would rather here 
advert to what I would call amiable but Christlcss 
characters, and I hesitate not to declare, that I con- 
sider them dangerous just in proportion to their 
amiability. Because, where there is much to ren- 
der a character attractive, and nothing to sound a 
loud alarm in a Christian's ear, such a character's 
influence may be, yea, must be most injurious. Of 
such a character it may, with truth, be said, inas- 
much as he is not for Christ, he is against Him. 
Not feeling himself the power of a Saviour's love, 
or the fervour of zeal for God's glory, he will use 
all his influence, in mistaken kindness, to check in 
his companion an ardour which he will regard as 
excessive, and to chill an affection which he will 
consider enthusiastic. Thus all his influence will 
tend to counteract the Holy Spirit's work in the 
heart of his friend, to hinder his heavenward pro- 
gress, to damp the ardour of his holy love and zeal, 
and to dim the brightness of the Saviour's image in 
his soul. 

Contrast with this the influence of Christian com- 
panionship, and see, believer, how inestimable your 
privilege, if you possess a sincere and faithful Chris- 
tian friend. What will be his paramount aim, as far 
as you are concerned? What the proofs he will give 
you of his affection? What the use he will make of 
his influence? To bring you closer to God, to make 
you more like Christ, to fan your love and zeal into 
a warmer flame, to brighten in your soul the reflec- 
tion of the Saviour's image, to encourage and assist 
you in running your heavenward race! Yes, all his 
influence over you will be employed on God's be- 
half, for the advancement of your everlasting welfare. 
And it is only the disclosures of the last day will 
fully reveal how deeply has many a follower of the 
Lamb been indebted for spiritual benefits and bless- 



EflHBIHBBHmBn 



252 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

ings, in every age of the Christian church, to the 
wise counsel, the holy conversation, the tender but 
faithful remonstrance, the consistent and encouraging 
example, and the frequent and fervent prayers of an 
attached Christian friend ! Such is the contrast be- 
tween the influence of worldly society and Christian 
communion, as also of worldly companionship and 
Christian friendship. Why then, believer, ever un- 
necessarily breathe the atmosphere that is tainted 
with the spirit of vvorldliness? Why ever volunta- 
rily choose as a companion the character you cannot 
love as a friend in Christ? 

In thus contrasting the atmosphere and influences 
of worldly and Christian social intercourse, 1 would 
wish to guard my statements from the charge of ap- 
parent extravagance or real misconception, by observ- 
ing, that I speak rather of the tendency and consti- 
tution of them both, than of the motives which in. 
all instances influence individuals, or the results that 
uniformly follow. For, on the one hand, there may 
be those who have mixed in worldly scenes without 
being fully conscious of their essentially ungodly 
character; and, on the other, the intercourse of Chris- 
tians is not always what, to be consistent w T ith their 
privileges and obligations, as the peculiar people of 
God, it ought to be. 

Yes, there have been those, I doubt not, who, more 
especially at a period when the sinfulness of worldly 
amusements was not so frequently canvassed, or so 
fully exposed, as in the present day, may have joined 
in those scenes without a deliberate design to insult 
God, or a systematic desire to exclude Him, by means 
of their unhallowed excitements, from their hearts. 
But still, the unquestionable tendency, and fearfully 
prevalent result, of those amusements is thus to shut 
out the blessed God from the memory and heart of 
those who mix in them. And this must ever so con- 
stitute their essential characteristic and criminality 



OP TRUE HAPriNESS. 253 

as to render them utterly unfit for the children of 
God, who should shrink with horror from the thought 
of going to any place, and partaking of any pleasure, 
in which the remembrance of His presence could not 
be comfortably cherished, and on which His blessing 
could not be consistently implored; or of even wishing 
for a moment to be happy in any scene or society, 
independently of Him, who is the Source and Giver 
of all their happiness, and to whom they owe a debt 
of infinite obligation, which an eternity of gratitude 
never could repay. 

I might have animadverted on other objectionable 
features of such society and amusements — the sinful 
expenditure of time and money, talents specifically 
intrusted for the advancement of God's glory — the 
late hours, so injurious to health — the violation of 
female propriety in dress — the homage of admiration 
paid to rank, beauty, external accomplishments, and 
those showy qualities, which are of no value in God's 
estimation; and the depreciation of that "ornament 
of a meek and quiet spirit/' and those retiring graces 
of the Christian character, which, "in the sight of 
God, are of great price :" thus leading the mind to a 
judgment in this matter opposed to the judgment of 
God— the ridicule often poured on those who are 
His peculiar people; and the flattery lavished on 
those that are the enemies of His cause — the ten- 
dency of the gay and dazzling scenes that such so- 
ciety presents, with the altogether worldly, if not 
more objectionable conversation, that pervades them, 
to unfit the mind for serious reflection, scriptural 
study, or devotional communion with God; and to 
induce an intoxication of feeling, and spirit of levity, 
utterly incompatible with that sobriety and watchful- 
ness, which well become those who are standing on 
the brink of eternity, and know not the moment 
they may see God face to face. All these might 
have been adduced, as proofs of the unscriptural 
22* 



■NHHMM 



254 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

character of such society and such amusements; but 
I have preferred to lay the stress on what constitutes 
their essential sinfulness in the sight of God, even 
their tendency to shut Him out, when in search of 
happiness, from the memory and the heart. 

On the other hand, in speaking of Christian social 
intercourse, it must, I fear, be conceded, that it does 
not uniformly exhibit that attractiveness of aspect, 
and produce that sweet and elevated enjoyment, which 
undeniably it ought to do; and would, if Christians 
acted more consistently with the spirit and obliga- 
tions of the high and holy vocation wherewith they 
are called, and with the example and precepts of the 
gracious and loving Master, in whose steps they are 
to tread ! Were His example faithfully followed, 
were His precepts cordially obeyed, and His Spirit 
fully imbibed and exhibited by His people, in their 
social intercourse, then would the 'happiness it yields 
be meet to image, as it will anticipate, the happiness 
of the social intercourse of saints in heaven, where 
the very atmosphere is one of pure, unmingled, holy, 
everlasting love! And this brings me to the second 
point, in which Christian intercourse has the advan- 
tage of worldly, in respect of the measure of enjoy- 
ment it imparts — and that is, that Christians have a 
higher object in view, and more profitable and plea- 
surable topics of conversation, to exalt and endear 
their hours of social fellowship. They do not meet 
for the mere purpose of getting over so much time, 
in a less wearisome manner than in the dreariness 
of solitude, or the retirement of home; or even for 
the purpose of merely amusing themselves and their 
friends by entertaining discourse on topics, the dis- 
cussion of which, even when most intellectual and 
interesting, is not fitted or even designed to promote 
each other's spiritual and eternal welfare. No! the 
Christian has learned, that with his tongue, as with 
eyery other member, he is to glorify his God— and 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



255 



consecrate speeches every other talent, to His cause! 
"In the salvation of the cross, the Gospel has supplied 
him with a theme, of which his heart is supposed to 
be full; and he cannot but speak the things which 
he has heard and seen." Every man he meets is 
interested in it as deeply as himself. Unless he 
speak, they may die in ignorance of it: and he is held 
conditionally responsible for every word he might 
have uttered, but omitted; and for every soul that 
perishes through that neglect. "He believes, and 
therefore speaks." As if his lips had been touched 
with sacred fire, or sprinkled with consecrating blood, 
he is to stand in the midst of his circle, as the oracle 
of the Cross. His words are no longer his own. As 
if his were the tongue of Christ Himself, or the only 
tongue on earth that could testify of the wonders of 
the Cross, he is to regard himself as set apart to bear 
witness of Christ. And as it is his office, so it is to be 
his holy ambition, so to announce and make Him 
known, that at the close of life, and even of each day 
of life, he may be able to say, as Christ Himself ap- 
pealed to the Father, and said — though in an inferior 
sense — "I have declared unto them Thy name, and 
will declare it." 

Christians, animated by such considerations, feel 
that they have a nobler aim, in meeting together for 
social converse, than merely to entertain and be en- 
tertained. Their desire is, to minister to each other's 
everlasting happiness, by stirring up each other, 
through the medium of affectionate Christian con- 
verse, on the subjects nearest and dearest to their 
hearts, to warmer love to Him, who is the common 
centre and bond of union, in whom all their hearts 
meet and are united in one — to more energetic efforts 
for the advancement of His cause — to more strenuous 
exertions for the attainment of conformity to His 
character — and thus to help each other on their hea- 
venward journey ! 



256 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

How often is the effort, in the resorts of worldly 
society, to maintain even the form, not to speak of 
the spirit of conversation, overpoweringly weari- 
some ! What utterly insignificant topics, in which 
neither the intellect nor the heart can take the 
smallest interest, are dragged forward, just to get 
over the time! How do the assembled guests dis- 
cuss, with reiterated and most tiresome detail, every 
variation of the weather, and again and again — 

"As if a close committee on the sky, 
Report it hot, or cold, or wet, or dry." 

How much is said in such society that is so altoge- 
ther unworthy of being dignified with the name of 
conversation, as to remind us of the distinction, so 
justly made by Cowper, in his inimitable poem on 
this subject — 

" Words learned by rote a parrot may rehearse, 
But talking is not always to converse." 

And where the conversation is of a more animated 
character, alas! how often is that animation of an 
unkind, if not unhallowed stamp ! How often does 
it spring from the ill-natured story, the indelicate 
innuendo, the satirical remark, the ironical retort! 
— And even where more polished manners and 
kindlier feelings prevail, and minds of a more in- 
tellectual cast and cultivated refinement converse 
together, and genius and taste preside, and even a 
glow of social warmth pervades the assembled group, 
even in this most favourable specimen of worldly 
society, what -an inferiority below the Christian's 
social intercourse, both in respect of dignity of ob- 
ject, and extent of enjoyment, is stamped upon it 
by the one consideration, that the sole purpose of 
the party is to entertain and be entertained — that 
the tone of the conversation is altogether of the 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 257 

earth, earthy — and will not allow any impress of a 
heavenly stamp. Yes, " Attend to the lips that can 
be eloquent and voluble on every subject, but one; 
that can descant on the market and its prices, on 
the world, and its fashions, and its politics; nay, On 
every little impulse of the feelings, and every fine- 
spun sentiment of the mind. But if the great God 
intrudes into conversation — His ways, or His dis- 
pensations, His mercies, and His loving-kindnesses, 
the tide begins to ebb, the glow of society dies away, 
and the cold and heartless silence betrays that an 
univelcome stranger has made his appearance." 

How eloquently does this passage describe the 
chilling influence of an attempt to introduce reli- 
gious conversation into a social circle of the children 
of the world ! Thus the grandest themes that can 
engage the human mind, and the most delightful 
topics that can gladden the human heart, are banished 
from the circle. And thus are they deprived of 
all the happiness, which the desire to be made a 
blessing to each other, in reference to their ever- 
lasting welfare, and to glorify a beloved Saviour, 
imparts to the Christian's enjoyment of social con- 
verse with his fellow-Christians, while travelling to- 
gether to the Canaan of eternal rest. 

And what an elevation does this throw round 
Christian intercourse ! What a spring of pure and 
exalted pleasure does it become, when the object, 
for which these fellow-pilgrims to Zion meet to- 
gether, is to fan in each other's breasts the holy 
flame of grateful love to the God of their salvation — 
and to quicken each other's zeal and ardour in running 
their heavenward race, and promoting their beloved 
Saviour's glory ! How does this invest their con- 
verse with a high and holy character — and make 
their hearts burn within them with holy love, and 
hope, and joy ! What sweet themes engage their 
lips, pouring gladness and comfort into their inmost 



wmmammmamm 



258 THE GOSPEL PIIOMOTIVE 

souls ! — The love of God, that is from everlasting 
to everlasting, and has embraced them all in its com- 
prehensive grasp ;— the character and history of 
Him, who is to each the "Chief among ten thou- 
sand, the altogether lovely One;" the Redeemer 
in whom they "rejoice with joy unspeakable and 
full of glory;" — the consolations of the Holy Spi- 
rit, the Comforter; — the page of prophecy, unfold- 
ing to the eye of faith the promised glories of the 
church in the millennial age, and the riches of the 
glory of the inheritance in heaven — "incorruptible 
and undented, and that fadeth not away." And 
then, from these general topics of common and en- 
dearing interest to them all, if they come to the indi- 
vidual history of a covenant-God's loving-kindness, 
as manifested to each, what miracles of divine mer- 
cy has each to record, for the confirmation and 
comfort of all the rest! What communications of 
strengthening and refreshing grace! What revela- 
tions of faithful unconquerable love! What temp- 
tations baffled — what perils escaped — what triumphs 
achieved — what pure thankful happiness thrills 
through each breast, while these fellow-disciples of 
the same loving Lord, in sweet communion, with 
hearts glowing with love to Him and to each other, 
discuss these themes — 

" Exciting oft their gratitude and love, 
While they retrace, with memory's pointing wand, 
That calls the past to their exact review, 
The dangers they escaped, the broken snare, 
The disappointed foe, deliverance found 
Unlooked for, life preserved, and peace restored, 
Fruits of omnipotent, eternal love ! " 

Why, why is it, that with such themes to supply 
them with an unfailing source of exquisite enjoy- 
ment, attracting their hearts close to God and to 
each other, and anticipating the happiness of hea- 
ven, Christians, when they meet together, ever in- 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



259 



dulge in unprofitable — or still worse — in unchari- 
table conversation? Why turn away from such 
topics to indulge in what may be called religious 
gossiping — prattling about the spiritual concerns 
of others with a heartlessness and a flippancy, that 
must be particularly offensive to God — to comment 
with uncharitable censoriousness on the inconsisten- 
cies of fellow-Christians, or the sins of those who 
are strangers to the Lord — to criticise preachers 
and preaching in a spirit of cavilling fastidiousness, 
forgetting that the minister is an ambassador of 
Christ, and that he delivers, in his Divine Master's 
name a message, for whose reception they must in- 
dividually give an account to Him, in the day of 
judgment — to cast a stone of reproach at their fel- 
low-sinners, without ever thinking how utterly 
destitute they are of the required qualification for 
the task (John viii. 7) — to engage in fierce polemi- 
cal disputation about doubtful and non-essential 
points, contending for personal triumph, not mutual 
edification — to speak with irreverent familiarity 
of names and subjects which should impress even 
on the very countenance the stamp of solemnity — 
and to plunge, with unhallowed presumption, into 
mysteries which the wisest and holiest of God's 
servants have always approached with the profound- 
est awe? 

Let me not be misunderstood. I do not mean 
that the Christian, when he is forbidden to judge, is 
thereby forbidden to discriminate between moral 
good and evil; or when he is prohibited from con- 
demning, is thereby prohibited from censuring what 
is wrong, as well as commending what is right. 
He especially is warned not to put bitter for sweet, 
and sweet for bitter, darkness for light, and light for 
darkness; and called upon to protest against what- 
ever is opposed to the will and glory of his God. 
But I mean that he should condemn sin, and yet 



260 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

compassionate the sinner — and, instead of speaking 
unkindly of him in his absence, (which cannot pos- 
sibly do him, or the speaker, or the listeners, any 
good,) go and expostulate with him, faithfully, face to 
face ; which may, with God's blessing, be the means 
of saving his soul. Nor do I mean that doubtful 
points should not be discussed, nor sacred names 
and subjects spoken of, or deep mysteries investi- 
gated — but that such points should be canvassed 
in a candid and amicable spirit ; and such names pro- 
nounced with suitable solemnity; and such mysteries 
approached with becoming humility and awe. And 
above all, I mean that Christians should not indulge 
in religious gossiping, or cavilling criticism, with 
an utter absence of seriousness or humility, and call 
this religious conversation. I mean that they should 
not usurp the authority of the Judge, and pass sen- 
tence on their fellow-sinners, and then think they 
are discharging a duty acceptable to Him who has 
said, "Why judgest thou another man's servant? 
To his own master he standeth or falleth. Judge not 
that ye be not judged. Condemn not, and ye shall 
not be condemned." I mean that they should not 
comment, in an uncharitable or unkind spirit, on 
the faults and failings of their fellow-Christians, 
their brethren and sisters in Christ ; and then fancy 
that such conversation is a proof of their disciple- 
ship, well-pleasing to Him who has said, "By this 
shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye 
have love one to another." The more, indeed, I 
have heard or observed of what passes in what is 
called the religious world, the more I am convinced 
of this-r— that the field of religious gossiping is alto- 
gether barren of spiritual fruit— (this is emphatically 
" the talk of the lips that tendeth to penury ") — that 
the field of angry controversy is indeed fruitful, but it 
is only with thistles and thorns — -that the field of un- 
charitable censoriousness produces a luxuriant crop 



OP TRUE HAPPINESS. 



261 



of the rank weeds of spiritual pride; for it is certain 
that they who think most of their own faults, will 
always speak least of the faults of others (the con- 
verse is equally true;) and Christian charity is as 
sure an index and concomitant of Christian humility, 
as censorious uncharitahleness is of proud self-righte- 
ousness — and that it is only the field of scriptural 
truth, encompassed with an atmosphere of Christian 
love, which exhibits the fragrance and fertility of a 
field " that the Lord hath blessed." The atmosphere 
is clear and calm — unsullied by mists, and undis- 
turbed by storms. On this field the beams of the 
Sun of Righteousness shine brightly, flinging a 
celestial splendour over every scene. The dews of 
the Holy Spirit descend softly and refreshingly on 
the beauteous flowers, and precious fruits, that 
flourish in this garden of the Lord. And not an air 
is wafted from it but breathes of the love of God, 
and is redolent of the purity, and peace, and blessed- 
ness of heaven. When you meet with fellow- 
travellers to Zion, dear Christian friends, walk with 
them through the length and breadth of this field — 
inhale its balmy atmosphere — bask in its glorious 
sunshine — gather its lovely flowers — feed on its 
precious fruits ! Then indeed will your souls be 
strengthened, refreshed, purified, gladdened, in the 
Lord. Fear not that it will be too confined for your 
range. Why, it will be boundless enough to ex- 
patiate in through eternity! While walking together 
there, you shall meet with angels, yea, with the 
Lord of angels, who will visit you there, and fill 
your hearts with unutterable joy, as He opens to 
you the Scriptures concerning Himself, and unfolds 
bright prospects of the glory He will give you in 
the day of His appearing, and throughout the ages 
of a blissful eternity ! 

If Christians were but thus faithful to their Divine 
Master, and were always solicitous to make their 
23 



262 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

converse together thus instrumental in glorifying 
Him, and profiting each other and themselves, by 
selecting such topics and discussing them in such a 
spirit, as He would approve and bless, what a foun- 
tain of spiritual strength and refreshment would 
Christian communion prove ! What a source of 
mutual comfort and edification! How would they 
help to lighten each other's burden, and revive each 
other's spirits, when fainting under the pressure of 
the conflict with indwelling sin, and accumulated 
sorrow ! While speaking together of His love, and 
of the heaven where they are all soon to meet, and 
spend an eternity of happiness in His presence, how 
would they forget all the toils and trials of their 
earthly pilgrimage, as the thought of the love that 
has chastened them in its faithfulness,, and the 
heaven, for whose bliss these, very afflictions are 
graciously intended to make them meet, came sweet- 
ly over their spirits, and soothed and cheered them 
with bright anticipations "of the glory to be reveal- 
ed," and sweet foretastes of the bliss to be enjoyed, 
when "He shall come to be glorified in His saints," 
and they shall all be made partakers together of 
his everlasting blessedness and glory. ! " that 
they who fear the Lord would thus speak often one 
to another ! Then would the Lord hearken and 
hear it, and record it in the book of remembrance, 
that is written before Him, for them that fear the 
Lord and that think upon His name." Were such 
uniformly the character of Christian intercourse, 
such the topics chosen, and such the tone and tem- 
per in which they were discussed, then indeed would 
it appear how abundantly, by its elevating, hallow- 
ing, and sweetening influence on social communion, 
the Gospel is entitled, as the patroness of true hap- 
piness, to the gratitude and affectionate homage of 
mankind. 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 263 

CHAPTER XVI. 

THE DOMESTIC AFFECTIONS. 

The last point, in reference to which I propose 
considering our subject, and establishing the claims 
of Christianity to be regarded as the patroness of true 
happiness, is connected with our affections — with all 
those endearing relationships of life, on which so large 
a measure of ourearthly happiness manifestly depends. 
And here the superiority of the children of God over 
the children of the world is too evident to be denied, 
and almost too obvious to require being enforced. 
Nor is it one of the meanest triumphs of the gospel, 
that it infuses so much additional sweetness into one 
of the purest sources of earthly enjoyment; for it re- 
quires no profound knowledge of the constitution of 
our nature, or of the elements of which earthly hap- 
piness chiefly consists, to be aware that the various 
affections, which a gracious God has linked around 
the human heart, and which render home a name so 
dear, are the sweetest fountains of earthly felicity, 
which, in His infinite tenderness, He has opened for 
us in the wilderness, to cheer and refresh us on our 
journey to the Canaan above ! 

Now, the immense advantage which the Christian 
possesses over the worldling, in regard to the affec- 
tions, when viewed as a source of happiness, will at 
once appear from this consideration — that while the 
Christian can enjoy whatever is sweet in these affec- 
tions, and the endearing companionship and inter- 
change of feeling resulting from them, equally with 
the worldling, this sweetness is to him unalloyed (as 
we have already shown,) by those apprehensions and 
anxieties which imbitterits enjoyment to the idolater 
of earthly love; and increased by the admixture of 
some delightful associations and hopes, to which those 



2G4 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

whose affections are unhallowed by a Saviour's smile, 
are necessarily strangers. What is there, let me ask, 
calculated to impart pure and intense pleasure to the 
human heart, in the love that links husband and wife, 
parents and children, brothers and sisters together, 
which the child of God is in the smallest degree ex- 
cluded from experiencing as fully as the votary of the 
world ? Will not the conjugal, the parental, the filial, 
or fraternal tie twine itself as closely and as endear- 
ingly around a Christian's as around a worldling's 
heart? 

Yea, from the tendency of the gospel to cherish 
every benevolent emotion, and to mould the charac- 
ter into a conformity with His whose name is love, 
all these endearing affections will thrive most luxu- 
riantly in the congenial soil of a Christian's heart, and 
there put forth their sweetest fragrance, and their 
brightest bloom. Love is the very element of the 
Christian's character — the very essence of that new 
nature which the Holy Spirit has imparted to him. 
Identified, by a oneness of spirit, with that loving 
Saviour whose visit to our world, and every step of 
His journey through it, was marked with the impress 
of divine love, the Christian feels his heart disposed 
to embrace with cordial affection every member of the 
great family of man. With what peculiar, with what 
intensified affection then must it be disposed to em- 
brace every member of that endeared circle, which 
is twined, as it were, around his very heart-strings, 
by all the fond recollections and touching associations 
of home! With what deep tenderness will he who 
has learned to love even his enemies, love his father 
and mother, brother or sister, wife or child! How 
will his heart, accustomed to luxuriate in the indul- 
gence of every affectionate emotion, delight itself in 
the love with which it will cling around and cherish 
those objects which have been associated with its 
tenderest, fondest remembrances from life's earliest 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



265 



years! And this delight will be unchecked and un- 
chilled by any of those selfish or malevolent feelings, 
which so often damp the warmth and interrupt the 
harmony of domestic affection among the children ot 
the world. How often does cold indifference blight 
the love that once glowed so warmly in hearts whose 
affection is unconsecrated by a Saviour's smile! How 
often do jealous feelings or jarring interests snap 
asunder the strongest links in the chain of brotherly 
or sisterly affection, when no bond of brotherhood in 
Christ cements the union by that love which alone 
can stamp on affection the impress of immortality ! 

But there are one or two circumstances which de- 
serve to be more distinctly considered, in proving 
how much the Christian has the advantage over the 
worldling, in regard to the happiness that flows 
through the channel of the affections. The first I 
would advert to has been already touched upon in 
the opening of this work, where we showed that the 
idolater in earthly love, even when most successful 
in the pursuit of the object on which he has concen- 
trated all his desires and hopes of earthly happiness, 
must still pay the penalty of his impiety and ingrati- 
tude to God, for robbing Him of His rightful prero- 
gative, even the chief place in His affections, by in- 
numerable anxieties and apprehensions, which are 
the inseparable concomitants of idolatrous creature- 
love; and by that aching sense of sickening disap- 
pointment and dissatisfaction, which must ever be 
felt in the human heart, till He who formed it, and 
who alone can fill it, takes up His abode there, and 
reigns,in undisputed sovereignty,overall its affections 
and desires. 

The Christian, by keeping all these earthly affec- 
tions subordinated to the love of God his Saviour, 
while they are sanctified and sweetened by His smile, 
is enabled to derive from them the purest enjoyment, 
unimbittered by those corroding anxieties which 
23* 



266 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

poison the pleasures of all idolatrous attachment; and 
hallowed by the blessing of that God who has im- 
planted these affections in the heart, and who, when 
He Himself reigns there supreme, will infuse into 
them indescribable sweetness, from the remembrance 
that they are the gifts of His love. Yes, when the 
heart loves earthly objects in and for God, with a 
subordinate and sanctified affection, then indeed is 
earthly love a fountain of the purest, sweetest bliss. 
Forget or despise that solemn warning (Matt. x. 37) 
— make earthly objects idols — give them God's place 
in your heart — and the frown of a jealous God will 
descend on these usurpers of His prerogative, and 
blight all the enjoyments which their love can supply. 
Keep earthly objects in their proper place in your 
heart. That is, let God's just demand, "Give Me 
thine heart," be fully answered — and let all the ob- 
jects of earthly affection be loved in strict subordina- 
tion to Him, and with a grateful sense of His good- 
ness in bestowing them; and then His blessing will 
rest upon them, and brighten them into covenant- 
mercies, and hallowed fountains of the most unalloyed 
and overflowing happiness. 

Besides, as we before observed, the earthly idola- 
ter is perpetually haunted by the fear of losing for 
ever the objects around which all his hopes of earthly 
happiness are entwined. And this fear often casts a 
deep and chilling gloom over his spirit, in its sunniest 
hours of enjoyment. He is like the merchant whose 
whole capital is embarked in one grand speculation, 
which, if it fail, will leave him in utter bankruptcy 
and ruin. Whereas, the Christian remembers that 
death will immediately introduce him into the pre- 
sence of the Object in heaven whom he loves with 
supreme affection; and can only separate him, for a 
season, from those beloved ones on earth, whom he 
loves with a holy love, for that Saviour's sake. His 
supreme happiness being safely secured in Christ's 



Or TRUE HAPPINESS. 



267 



own keeping, he feels the fullest confidence that he 
cannot be deprived of this by any possible contin- 
gency that can befall even the most fondly-loved of 
earthly objects; and this feeling enables him toenjoy, 
with undisturbed serenity, the subordinate happiness 
which these affections, when thus hallowed, were de- 
signed by a bountiful Creator to supply; and thus the 
Christian, in regard to the happiness connected with 
his earthly affections, resembles a merchant who knows 
that his capital is securely invested, and perfectly 
safe — and can therefore contemplate, with calm com- 
posure, the possible failure of some speculation, in 
which a comparatively small portion of his principal 
is embarked, because he knows that its loss cannot 
leave him a bankrupt in happiness! For how can he 
ever be so, who is privileged, as having invested his 
heart's supreme affections and happiness in the hands 
of God Himself, to draw at all times, to an unlimited 
extent, on the infinite resources of the Deity, for satis- 
fying enjoyment! 

But there is another consideration which stamps 
on the love of the children of God for each other, in 
all the endearing relationships of life, a peculiarly 
delightful character, and enables it to administer most 
abundantly to their happiness — I mean that their 
earthly love is exalted and hallowed by such a resem- 
blance to Christ's love, as gives it a celestial cast — 
and prompts the most affectionate endeavours to mi- 
nister to the spiritual welfare, the everlasting happi- 
ness, of the beloved objects on whom it is bestowed. 

Let those who do not supremely love the Saviour 
love each other, in any of the tender relationships of 
life, as fondly as they may, their solicitude to admi- 
nister to the happiness of those they love can never 
rise above an earthly level — can never aspire to any 
purer or nobler enjoyments than earthly sources will 
supply. They cannot sympathize with each other in 
the sacred pleasures of united prayer and praise to 



268 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

the same beloved and adored Object of their heart's 
supremest love. They cannot taste the hallowed de- 
light of studying together the word of God, and re- 
joicing together, while engaged in the delightful task, 
in all its exceeding great and precious promises. They 
cannot understand the ineffable joy of endeavouring 
to fan the flame of grateful love to the Saviour in a 
beloved object's heart — to quicken his zeal in that 
Saviour's service — to uphold and stimulate him in 
running his heavenward race — to advance his con- 
formity to his Divine Master's image — and thus, at 
once, to bring down more of heaven's love and hea- 
ven's joy into his heart, while here below; and to 
make him more meet, by increased holiness, for the 
enjoyment of heaven's happiness, when admitted into 
the immediate presence of his God, in the realms of 
everlasting light and love. 

From all these sources of exquisite enjoyment, the 
children of the world, however fondly attached to 
each other as parents and children, as husbands and 
wives, as brothers and sisters, are altogether shut out. 
No Saviour's smile beams upon, and brightens their 
love! No holy sympathy sanctifies and sweetens 
their joys and sorrows! No hallowed altar, fragrant 
with the incense of morning and evening adoration 
to a covenant-God, consecrates their home! No 
hope of celestial glory and everlasting re-union in a 
world beyond the grave, sheds its cheering radiance 
through the gloom of their chamber of sickness, or 
bed of death! 

Worldly parents, however attached to their chil- 
dren, or solicitous for their advancement, are still ex- 
cluded from the elevating hopes and prospects which 
Christian love imparts. They cannot sympathize 
with the exalted feelings which filled the bosom of a 
Christian father, when, on being asked, as he had 
neglected to instruct his children in some of those 
fashionable accomplishments which he considered 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



269 



inconsistent with the unostentatious simplicity and 
spirituality of the Christian character — "Had he no 
desire that his children should shine?" he replied, 
with a countenance beaming with the reflection of 
the glorious scenes that faith was unfolding to his 
view — "I have a great desire that my children should 
shine; but it is 'as the stars, for ever and ever!' " 
How strikingly is the utter earthliness of the affec- 
tion for their children, cherished by the fondest pa- 
rents, in whose hearts a Saviour's love has not been 
shed abroad, exposed by Dr. Chalmers, when com- 
menting, in the third volume of his invaluable lectures 
on the Romans, on the apostle's memorable wish, 
(Rom. ix. 3,) "That the same parent, who is so intent 
on the preferment of his children in the world, should 
be so utterly listless of their prospects, nor put forth 
one endeavour to obtain for them preferment in hea- 
ven — that he who would mourn over it as the sorest 
of his family trials, should one of them be bereft of 
any of the corporeal senses; and ) 7 et should take it 
so easily, although none of them have a right sense 
of God, or a right principle of godliness — that he who 
would be so sorely astounded did any of his little 
ones perish in a conflagration or a storm, should be 
so unmoved by all the fearful things that are reported 
of the region on the other side of death, where the 
fury of an incensed Lawgiver is poured upon all who 
have not fled to Christ, as their refuge from the tem- 
pest, and they are made to lie down in the devouring 
fire, and to dwell with everlasting burnings — that to 
avert from the objects of our tenderness the calami- 
ties, or to obtain for them the good things, of this 
present life, there should be so much of care and of 
busy expedient, while not one practical measure is 
taken either to avert from them that calamity which 
is the most dreadful, or to secure for them that feli- 
city which is the most glorious — wh) 7 there is indeed 
such obvious demonstration in all this of time being 



270 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

regarded as our all, and eternity being counted by us 
as nothing — so light an esteem in it of that God, an 
inheritance in whom we treat as of far less value for 
those who are dear to us than that they should be 
made richly to inherit the gifts of His providence — 
such a preference for ourselves, and for the fleeting 
generations that come after us, of the short-lived crea- 
ture to the Creator, who endureth for ever — as most 
strikingly to mark, even by the very loves and ami- 
able sensibilities of our hearts, how profoundly mersed 
we are in the grossest carnality — that after all it is 
but an earthly horizon that bounds us, and an earthly 
platform we grovel on — that Nature, even in her best 
and most graceful exhibitions, gives manifest token 
of her fall, proving herself an exile from Paradise 
even in the kindest and honestest of the sympathies 
which belong to her — that retaining, though she does, 
many soft and tender affinities for those of her own 
kind, she has been cast down and degraded beneath 
the high aims and desires of immortality — accursed 
even in her moods of greatest generosity, and evil in 
the very act of giving good gifts unto her children!" 
How nobly does he hold up the Christian standard, 
in describing the duty of parents on behalf of their 
beloved children, when he exhorts them — "To look 
onward for their children to a place in heaven — to 
enter them accordingly into a process of spiritual 
education — to watch, and examine, and labour, until 
the "spiritual principles be established, and the spiri- 
tual character be formed in them — to besiege in prayer 
the upper sanctuary, that they may obtain the patro- 
nage of the great Intercessor who is there in behalf of 
their family, and through Him the grace and liberality 
of the King upon the throne!" 

How solemn his expostulation, when he asks them, 
"If you love your children, and at the same time are 
listless about their eternity, what other explanation 
can be given than that you believe not what the Bible 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



271 



tells of eternity? You believe not of the wrath, and 
the anguish, and the tribulation that are there. Those 
piercing cries that here from any one of your chil- 
dren would go to your very heart, and drive you 
frantic with the horror of its sufferings, you do not 
believe that there is pain there to call them forth. 
You do not think of the meeting-place that you are 
to have with them before the judgment-seat of Christ, 
and of the looks of anguish and the words of reproach 
that they will cast upon you, for having neglected 
and so undone their eternity. The awful sentence of 
condemnation — the signal of everlasting departure to 
all who know not God, and obey not the gospel — the 
ceaseless moanings that ever and anon shall ascend 
from the lake of living agony — the grim and dreary 
imprisonment, whose barriers are closed, insuperably 
and for ever, on the hopeless outcasts of vengeance 
— these, ye men who wear the form of godliness, but 
show not the power of it in your training of your 
families — these are not the articles of your faith ! To 
you they are as the imaginations of a legendary fable. 
Else why this apathy? Why so alert to the rescue 
of your young from even the most trifling of calami- 
ties, and this dead indifference about their exposure 
to the most tremendous of all?" 

What a fearful eternity (are we thus reminded,) 
will be spent together by parents who have neglected 
the everlasting welfare of their children, and children 
who have perished everlastingly by that neglect! 
The children reproaching their parents as the chief 
causes of their ruin, and cursing them as the authors 
of an existence which they did all in their power to 
make miserable for ever! And the anguish of the 
parents from their own everlasting ruin in that place 
of torment, tremendously aggravated by witnessing 
the wretchedness and listening to the wailings of 
the children whom, if not by encouragement in sin, 
at least by neglecting to lead them in the way of 



■I 



272 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

salvation, they were themselves chiefly instrumental 
in ruining for eternity! 

Having thus exposed, in the powerful language of 
this master in Israel, the low ambition, the appalling 
cruelty, (as concerns the best interests, theeverlasting 
welfare of those it loves,) exhibited by mere earthly 
affection, unhallowed by a Saviour's love, in even 
the fondest parent's heart, and shown, how little such 
affection provides for the true happiness of its objects, 
let us now reverse the picture. 

Let us contrast with the melancholy scene we have 
described, the Christian's high and holy aims and 
aspirations, his exalted privileges and pleasures, in 
his happy, because his hallowed home. 

Just picture to yourself a Christian home, where 
all the members are united, not merely in the en- 
dearing ties of earthly affection, but the yet sweeter 
bonds of Christian love! 

Picture the father as the priest of the family-circle, 
morning and evening assembling the dear domestic 
group around the family-altar, to offer up their united 
supplications and thanksgivings to the common God 
and Father of them all ; and to seek for guidance, wis- 
dom, and strength, forthe duties of the day, by search- 
ing the oracles of God ! Imagine the attached group 
listening with devout reverence to the voice of God 
speaking to them in His word; and blending their 
hearts and voices together in those songs of praise 
which should always (so much do they impart a spirit 
of holy gladness to the service,) accompany, when 
practicable, the celebration of family-worship in a 
Christian home ! Then picture the various members, 
after the temperate and thankful meal, seasoned and 
sanctified by affectionate, cheerful, and profitable con- 
verse, again assembled to consult the lively oracles, 
and store up lessons of divine wisdom, and supplies 
of spiritual strength, while studying together that 
blessed book! Then separating to their several 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



273 



avocations — all animated by one spirit, all pursuing 
one object — to glorify the God of their salvation, by 
the consecration of their talents and time to His ser- 
vice, in whatever different spheres of labour they 
may be individually engaged. Again, after the la- 
bours of the day, they assemble, with affectionate 
greeting, for the family meal, where piety, cheer- 
fulness, and love preside. Then come such evenings 
as a Christian family can aloneenjoy — suchasCowper 
has so felicitously described — where Christian affec- 
tion, hallowing all the innocent cheerfulness of the 
domestic circle, endears, and Christian conversation, 
ranging over the wide and glorious field that a Sa- 
viour's love opens to the view, enlivens the hours 
spent in pursuits and pleasures, that — 

" Leave no stain upon the wings of time." 

Once more, ere they separate for the night, the sacred 
volume speaks peace and comfort to their souls; and 
their hearts and voices are again mingled in the sweet 
sacrifice of prayer and praise, that rises up from this 
family of love before the throne of God. And then, 
after the affectionate parting benediction, with the 
sweet assurance, that if not again on earth, they shall 
all meet in heaven, they retire — to rest in peace under 
the shadow of a Saviour's wing, safe under His pro- 
tection, and happy in His smile. Such is the picture 
of a day, spent in a Christian home! 

How sweetly is it diversified by the hallowed oc- 
cupations and enjoyments of the Sabbath! What 
must be the feelings of such a family, when they 
are all assembled together in the sanctuary, or at the 
sacramental table — and, while there engaged, as with 
one heart and voice, in the songs and services of the 
earthly temple — or enjoying in sweet communion the 
feast that commemorates a Saviour's dying love, 
they anticipate the unspeakable blessedness of wor- 
shipping together, through everlasting ages, in their 
24 



274 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

Father's house of praise above — and sitting down 
together at the marriage-supper of the Lamb ! How 
delightful also the employments, suitable to that day 
of holy rest, and yet holy occupation — instructing 
the younger members of the family, and the domes- 
tics, in the precious truths of God's blessed word — 
or feeding the lambs of the flock, gathered every 
Sabbath in the Sunday school! How swiftly and 
sweetly does a Sabbath pass, filled up with such em- 
ployments blended with secret and family prayer, 
scriptural stud)^, religious reading, hallowed converse 
and devotional meditation on the ever new, ever pre- 
cious theme of a Saviour's love! 

Such, I say, is the picture of a day spent by a 
family, all whose members are united in Christ. 
And such as that day is the picture of their life! 
Who can glance at this picture, and not feel, that if 
happiness is to be found on earth, it is in the bosom 
of such a home as this? 

Let it not be said, that I have drawn a picture 
from the imagination, which has no counterpart in 
real life. I trust the experience of many a Christian 
family can testify to its truth. Can we read the life 
of the holy, heavenly-minded Venn, without being 
convinced, that it was realized, in all its loveliest 
features, beneath his hallowed roof? 

Nor let it be supposed, that I have forgotten, that 
the scene of this sketch is on earth — in a wilderness 
— a world of sin and sorrow — of partings and of 
death! No! I do not forget, that as they grow up, 
the younger branches must be separated from the 
home of their childhood; and leave a painful blank 
behind, as one link after another is severed from the 
society of the parental roof. Nor do I forget, that 
the members of this happy family are still encom- 
passed with a body of infirmity, and but imperfectly 
renewed in the image of God ! No! I have not for- 
gotten all this! I know the picture must have its 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



275 



shades. The members must separate — but each will 
go to be a channel of blessings in a new sphere — 
and many a happy meeting again on earth will be 
a type and foretaste of their eternal re-union in 
heaven. 

Sorrow will intrude on this happy scene. But 
then will the Saviour's precious promise to His 
people be fulfilled — "In the world you shall have 
tribulation — but in Me you shall have peace!" and 
sorrow will onl}' enhance the preciousness of that 
promise, and the sweetness of that peace! The bow 
of covenant love will shine brighter amid the sur- 
rounding gloom ! Grateful for the retrospect of past 
mercies, and cheered by the prospect of coming 
glory, they will be enabled, amidst all their trials, 
to "thank God, and take courage" — assured that 
their God is guiding them "by the right way to the 
city of habitation !" But a worse intruder will enter 
that paradise — for sin cannot be entirely shut out. 
The tranquillity of the peaceful scene will sometimes 
be ruffled by an angry breath — but the voice of a 
Saviour's love will soon still the rising storm, and 
restore all again to harmony and peace! Unchris- 
tian tempers will sometimes be displayed, and darken 
the sunshine of domestic happiness with a passing 
cloud. But it will be & passing one, for it will soon 
be dispelled by a Saviour's smile. 

Sickness will enter this abode of happy hearts. 
But it will come with a crowd of compensating com- 
forts in its train. It will develop more fully, and 
call into livelier exercise, every Christian grace. It 
will link the members of the family circle more 
closely in the bonds of Christian love. And many 
will be the precious lessons of a Saviour's faithful- 
ness and tenderness that they will learn in the cham- 
ber of sickness, where He will come by His presence 
to support the sufferer, and to soothe the mourners, 
that watch and minister beside the bed of pain. 



^■n 



HHHHBM^H 



276 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

And death will visit this habitation of the servants 
of God! But oh! how the aspect of this king of 
terrors is changed, when he crosses the threshold of 
such a home! — When he comes as a messenger of 
mercy, to announce to one of its much loved inmates, 
"Thy warfare is accomplished — enter thou into the 
joy of thy Lord !" And the bereaved survivors, 
amidst the tears which He who wept beside the 
grave of Lazarus will not condemn, but gently wipe 
away, shall hear a voice that whispers — "Sorrow not, 
as others without hope, for the loved one, that has 
fallen asleep in Jesus; for those that sleep in Him, 
will God bring with Him in the day of His glorious 
appearing, and then you shall be all reunited, to be 
thenceforth together, for ever, with the Lord." How 
will they be enabled, with such a prospect, to cry out, 
even amidst the severing of earth's dearest ties — 
"Oh! death, where is thy sting? Oh! grave, where 
is thy victory ?" When they reflect, that w 7 hen death 
has summoned each to their rest with Jesus, and the 
pilgrimage of life to all is past, re-assembled in their 
Father's house of many mansions above, in that world 
where the cruel severer of earthly ties can never 
come, they shall form, throughout eternity, a happy 
family in heaven. 

If these things be so, surely I have redeemed my 
pledge on this point also; and have proved, that the 
Gospel is promotive of true happiness, as far as our 
affections are concerned, by purifying them from 
those passions that pollute and poison their source — 
by securing them from that idolatry which turns 
their blessings into a curse, — by freeing them from 
those apprehensions w 7 hich imbitter their enjoyment 
— by giving a high and holy character to the love 
they inspire, and the happiness they impart — and 
soothing the sorrows of that separation for a season 
on earth, which death must inflict, by the prospect 
which faith unfolds, of a blissful re-union, for eternity 
in heaven. 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



277 



How careful then should every child of God be, 
in entering on the marriage state, to form such a 
union as can be conducive to such blessed results; 
and to regard a marriage with one who does not love 
the Lord as a "forbidden marriage," on which 1 a 
Christian can neither hope nor ask for the blessing 
of God! And how anxious should all the members 
of every Christian family be, to realize the full beauty 
and blessedness of a home like this! 

How should the heads of the family be instant in 
prayer, with each other, and for each other; and in 
searching the Scriptures, alone and together, that 
they may be furnished by the Holy Spirit with such 
wisdom and grace, as will enable them to discharge 
the awful responsibility resting on them with faith- 
fulness; and to exercise the solemn office intrusted 
to them, in such a manner as will most effectually 
advance the glory of God, and the best because the 
eternal interests of the little world of immortals 
committed to their charge. How should they treasure 
up, as it were, in their very heart of hearts the awful 
and affecting consideration, ihat "the parent possesses 
an influence over his offspring more powerful than 
the mightiest monarch ever swayed over his subjects. 
His voice is the first music they hear — his smiles, 
their bliss — his authority, the image and substitute 
of the divine authority. So absolute is the law which 
impels them to believe his every word, to imitate 
his every tone, gesture, and action, and to receive the 
ineffaceable impressions of his character, that his 
every movement drops a seed into the virgin soil of 
their hearts, to germinate there for eternity. His 
influence, by blending itself with their earliest con- 
ceptions, and incorporating with the very elements 
of their constitution, and by the constancy, subtilty, 
variety, and power of its operation, gives him a com- 
mand over their character and destiny, which renders 
24* 



■^^■H 



278 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

it the most appropriate emblem on earth of the influ- 
ence of God Himself." 

How should Christian parents therefore labour, 
with unwearied energy and prayerful perseverance, 
for the salvation of all their children — that, if the 
sorest of all trials to a Christian parent's heart — the 
shadow which clouds the sunshine of a Christian 
home with the darkest gloom — should be appointed 
for them, even the seeing any of those who are dear 
to them as their own souls, not sheltered in the fold 
of Christ, and therefore not safe for eternity, they 
may at least be comforted by the reflection, that they 
have done all in their power to avert from their be- 
loved ones the tremendous doom of a lost eternity. 
Then may they indulge the cheering and consolatory 
hope, while thus faithfully using every means within 
their reach, that yet the object of their ceaseless soli- 
citudes and supplications shall be -accomplished; and 
there shall happen under their roof an event which 
shall impart a thrill of holy joy to the angels of God, 
and shall cause the high arches of heaven to ring 
with jubilee — when a son or a daughter, turned unto 
righteousness, becomes the reward of a parent's faith- 
fulness, the fruit of a parent's prayers. Oh! what a 
blessed hope was suggested to the mourning mother 
of St. Augustin — "Woman, the child of so many 
prayers and tears could not be lost." Animated 
with this hope, how should Christian parents exercise 
the all-important influence intrusted to them by the 
great Father of the human family, for the advance- 
ment of the everlasting happiness of their beloved 
children, to the utmost extent of their ability, by 
conducting the family worship with solemnity, fer- 
vour, affectionateness,and wise adaptation to the pecu- 
liar wants and circumstances of the domestic circle — 
assisting the younger branches in the study of the 
word of God — upholding that word in its para- 
mount authority, as the arbiter from whose decisions 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



279 



there is to be no appeal; and never sanctioning, from 
any consideration, any pursuit or pleasure which it 
condemns — exhibiting, in their own example, an at- 
tractive pattern of conjugal and parental affection — 
checking, by the salutary control of a judicious dis- 
cipline, whatever is morally wrong; and rebuking 
and restraining, with holy zeal and firmness, what- 
ever is opposed to God's will and word- — praying 
frequently and fervently with and for their beloved 
children — watching anxiously over the souls of their 
servants, striving to bring them all to Christ — and 
giving a high and holy, yet cheerful tone to the con- 
versation of the domestic circle! How should thev 
seek to interest the hearts, and engage the exertions 
of their children, on behalf of every benevolent un- 
dertaking, every Christian institution* — as also to 
form them to a relish for simple pleasures and solid 

* "Heads of families must remember that parental influence 
and domestic relationships are to be consecrated to the same ob- 
ject. Not only must they train their children to habits of bene- 
volence, early impressing them that the principal value of money 
consists in its subserviency to the cause of Christ : they must 
look higher and farther even than this. They must themselves 
feel that the chief value, even of their children, consists in their 
consecration to the same glorious cause. And, therefore, they 
must early begin to train them to take part in it; instructing 
them in the nature and progress of Christian missions: impress- 
ing it on them, that the conversion of the world to Christianity 
is the noblest enterprise in which they can engage; inspiring 
them, if consistent with other claims, with zeal to embark in it; 
and in the event of their so doing, preparing, as far as possible, 
to support them in it." — The Great Commission. May the Holy 
Spirit impress this solemn appeal on every Christian parent's 
heart! Might not the Saviour, indeed, justly expect that such 
parents, feeling what the Gospel has done for the happiness of 
their own home, should do all in their power, by labouring as 
missionaries in their own land, and encouraging and supporting 
the labours of the missionaries abroad, to diffuse the same hap- 
piness through every home in the habitable globe ? Does not 
love to their fellow-man, the consideration what benefactors to 
mankind their children will thus become, and gratitude to Him 
who has purchased for them, at stick a price, all the happiness 
that dwells in their own heart, and their own home, imperatively 
demand this at their hands ? 



280 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

pursuits, that the cheerful happiness of home may 
prevent the desire for the sinful excitement of gaiety 
abroad. How should they endeavour to impart to 
their motives the piety and philanthropy, and to 
their manners the "meekness and gentleness, of 
Christ" — keeping their secular studies and accom- 
plishments in due subordination and subservience to 
higher objects and more valuable attainments — in- 
vesting the study of the Scriptures, and the service 
of the sanctuary, with an attractive character of holy 
cheerfulness, and sacred joy — and making the Sab- 
bath at once "honourable to the Lord, and a delight,"* 
as the happiest day of the week, and the sacramental 
supper to all the family a holy feast of divine refresh- 
ment! How careful should they be to give their 
children a favourable impression of the Gospel, by 
the exhibition of the peace and happiness it has im- 
parted to their own souls, and that lovely image it 
has impressed on their own characters, showing them 
that the}'' feel it to be equally their duty and their 
privilege to train them up for God, and educate them 
for eternity— and that no wealth, no honours, rank 
for a moment in their estimation, as the object they 
desire on their behalf, with the "unsearchable riches 
of Christ, and the crown of glory that fadeth not 
away" — regulating by the scriptural standard the 
expenditure of money, and the employment of time 
— and marking unequivocally, by the domestic ar- 
rangements and recreations, the selection of society, 
and the choice of friends, that the Saviour's smile is 
the approbation which, above all things, they are so- 
licitous to secure; the Saviour's glory, the object, 

* How carefully should the Christian heads of families abstain 
from every approach to Sabbath desecration, whether receiving 
or reading common-place letters, paying worldly visits, the un- 
necessary use of vehicles, rail-road travelling, or dinner parties, 
or any mode of spending time inconsistent with the high and holy 
purposes for which the Sabbath was appointed — even to prepare 
the soul for the enjoyment of the sublime services and holy joys 
of the celestial sanctuary — the Sabbath of the skies ! 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



281 



which, in all things, they are desirous to advance! 
And how should the children of such a family con- 
tribute their share to the promotion of its holiness 
and happiness, by faithfully keeping the "first com- 
mandment with promise," which calls on them to 
"honour their father and mother" — reverencing their 
authority, as the delegated authority of God; and 
loving them, as next to God, the objects most entitled 
to their love — gratefully and gladly submitting to 
their control, and complying with their commands 
— contentedly resigning their own will to theirs, if 
ever they are opposed; and cheerfully acquiescing 
in their arrangements, even if they thwart their own 
plans — while studying, by all the affectionate minis- 
trations of filial love, to soothe their sorrows, and to 
increase their joys! And how should they seek, as 
brothers and sisters, "to be kindly affectioned one to 
another; in honour preferring one another; loving 
each other with a pure heart fervently" — fondly- 
sharing each other's joys and griefs, and tenderly 
watching over each other's welfare — carefully ab- 
staining from whatever could irritate or wound; and 
delighting to administer, by every means within their 
reach, to the happiness of all around ! Thus, by dili- 
gent attention to all the claims of personal piety, 
walking with God, with holy watchfulness, in all 
His ways; and by the faithful discharge of every 
filial and fraternal duty, walking in love, as dear 
children of God, with all the members of their own 
dear home. Oh! if all families of professing Chris- 
tians were regulated by such principles, and animated 
by such a spirit, what a glorious change would soon 
pass over the aspect of the Christian world! Then 
would the triumph of the Gospel be indeed complete! 
Then would the claims of Christianity to a divine 
original be incontestably established ! Then would 
the great object of the loving Saviour's mission of 
mercy to our world be abundantly accomplished, even 



282 . THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

"the glory of God in the highest, and on earth peace 
and good-will towards men!" Then would the dawn 
of the millennial day of glory break on a regenerated 
earth — for the reign of righteousness, and love, and 
peace, would begin! And soon would the world's 
wilderness, beneath its blessed influence, "rejoice 
and blossom as the rose." And the face of Chris- 
tendom, when the Christian world was thus com- 
posed of a congregated society of holy and happy 
families, would reflect to the eye of God, looking 
down on it with delight from His throne on high, 
the very image of His own attributes and govern- 
ment, radiant with the celestial lustre of the antici- 
pated love, and holiness, and happiness of heaven. 

And can we glance even at this brief sketch of the 
blessed effects of the influence of genuine Christian- 
ity, and not wonder that the cause of missions (esta- 
blished for the diffusion of that influence) has not 
enlisted on its behalf a larger measure of the zeal of 
Christian love, and the contributions of Christian 
liberality; and that more fervent prayer and more 
energetic efforts have not been made for the spread 
of Christianity by the church of Christ? 

Doubtless, this is to be attributed, in a great mea- 
sure, to the want of deeper and more devoted love 
to Christ, both in its ministers, for how few of them 
are willing to embark in the missionary cause? and 
in its members, for when do we hear of a Christian 
layman settling, from love to the Saviour (as many 
will do from the love of money,) in heathen lands, 
to diffuse the blessings of the Gospel there? It is to 
be attributed also to the want of a juster appreciation 
of the value of immortal souls, of a more enlarged 
and influential spirit of Christian philanthropy, and 
of a more grateful desire to spend and be spent in 
the Saviour's service. 

But there is one want, to which, pre-eminently, 
this deplorable result must be ascribed, the want of 



Or TRUE HAPPINESS, 



2S3 



a more abundant outpouring of the Holy Spirit. 
Were this want supplied, oh ! what glorious results 
might be expected to follow! The language of a 
powerful writer of our day is not too strong — 
"Could," he says, "a convocation be held of all the 
churches upon earth, the object of their one united 
cry should be for that promised Spirit. Let that 
be secured, and in obtaining that we shall obtain 
the supply of every other want: we should find that 
we had acquired the same mind which was also in 
Christ: a benevolence, which would yearn over the 
whole human race; a brotherly love, which would 
combine with the whole body of Christians for the 
recovery of the world; a zeal, which would be ever 
devising fresh methods of usefulness, practising self- 
denial, and laying itself out in the service of Christ; 
and a perseverance, which would never rest till the 
whole family of man should be seated together at 
the banquet of salvation!" 

How fervently, then, should Christians in their 
secret devotions, and social worship, pray for the 
plentiful outpouring of that Spirit on whose influ- 
ences such glorious and blessed results essentially 
depend ! And if such supplications were continually 
besieging the Throne of Grace, who can calculate 
what would be the effect on the moral and spiritual 
condition both of Christendom and heathendom, 
produced by the copious dews of divine grace — the 
abundant showers of spiritual blessings, that, in an- 
swer to such prayer, would assuredly descend from 
heaven to fertilize and refresh the earth! Who can 
tell how soon the command might go forth to a re- 
generated world — "Arise, shine, for thy light is 
come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee!" 
Who can tell how soon the full splendour of the 
beams of the Sun of Righteousness would burst on 
our view, dispelling the dark clouds of ignorance, 
error, and sin; and the whole earth, redeemed from 



284 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

the primeval curse, and restored to its primeval 
beauty, be replenished with a Saviour's grace, and 
"lightened with His glory!" 



CHAPTER XVII. 

CONCLUDING ADDRESS. 

Reader, who hast followed me thus far in the 
perusal of this work, I would affectionately address 
to you a few words at parting, on which I would 
earnestly implore the blessing of that Spirit without 
whose aid all our efforts to promote the glory of 
God, and the welfare of our brethren of mankind, 
must be utterly in vain. 

Ignorant as I am of your peculiar character and 
circumstances, I will address you only under one 
aspect, which I know must apply to you, whatever 
be your condition in life, whether exalted or hum- 
ble, young or old, rich or poor. I will address you 
as an inquirer after happiness. This is the universal 
inquiry. All are in search of happiness. The desire 
for it beats in every human breast; and there is 
nothing sinful in that desire. God has implanted it 
in the heart, for the very purpose of drawing that 
heart to Himself, "the Fountain of living waters," 
where alone this thirst for satisfying enjoyment can 
be quenched. 

If, then, you have not yet been led to this Foun- 
tain, but are striving to satisfy the thirst for hap- 
piness from some of the broken cisterns of earth- 
ly pleasure, I would fain expostulate with you, in 
my sincere solicitude to be instrumental in guiding 
you to the only source of substantial and satisfying 
bliss. 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



2S5 



In entering on this work, I undertook to prove, 
that the Gospel is promotive of true happiness, and 
that it reveals the only path in pursuing which true 
happiness can be found. 

Reader, have I not redeemed my pledge? Im- 
perfectly as I have executed my allotted task (and, 
believe me, I am unaffectedly and deeply sensible 
of that imperfection,) have I not established the 
position which I undertook to prove ? 

Just glance back with me at the ground we have 
travelled together. 

Have I not shown that the love of God pours the 
purest, the most exalted happiness into the human 
heart ? 

Have I not shown that the service of God is indeed 
"perfect freedom, that its ways are ways of pleasant- 
ness, and that all its paths are peace?" 

Have not I shown that the Gospel supplies the only 
hope that can satisfy the aspirations of the human 
soul ; and the only antidote to the anxieties which 
so imbitter all earthly enjoyment, and especially to 
that most appalling of all apprehensions, the fear of 
death ? 

Have I not shown, that the Gospel eradicates all 
such tempers and dispositions as are inimical, and 
implants all such as are friendly, to human happi- 
ness ; and by sanctifying, additionally sweetens 
every source of earthly enjoyment that reason ap- 
proves ? 

Now, if I have proved all this, have I not, I 
would ask yourself, fairly redeemed my pledge ? 
Have I not pointed out, as the privileged portion of 
every faithful follower of a crucified Saviour, a happi- 
ness exactly suited to all the wants and wishes of our 
nature, and alone capable of fully satisfying them 
all — a happiness equally within the reach of all; and 
that is pronounced alike by the testimony of that 
God who is truth, and the experience of all who 
25 



286 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

have tried it, to be the only happiness adequate to 
the unbounded desires and capacities of an immortal 



soul 



Let not, then, the goodness of the cause suffer in 
your estimation by the weakness of the advocate. 
Confess that even I have succeeded in convincing 
your judgment, and compelling you to give your 
verdict in favour of the position I undertook to 
maintain! 

What flaw, indeed, can you detect in the evidence 
I have adduced ; or what inconclusiveness in the 
arguments I have advanced ? Will you contend 
that true happiness is not to be found in loving and 
being loved by the ever-blessed God — in the sweet 
feeling of being at peace with God, as accepted in 
His well-beloved Son — in being the object of the 
friendship of the Almighty, regarding Him as a 
covenant-triune God, Creator, Redeemer, and Com- 
forter ; and feeling assured, that He is continually 
lifting upon the soul the light of His countenance, 
and gladdening the spirit by the smile of His love? 
Or will you say, that it were unreasonable to look 
for happiness in the service of God; and that it must 
be a wearisome and profitless drudgery to toil for a 
Master so utterly unworthy of your regards as Him 
who died for you, and who is both disposed and 
able to do so little to recompense His servants for 
their labours of love? Or will you argue, that the 
antidote which the Gospel supplies for all earthly 
anxieties, and the fear of death, is really of no value; 
and that it is happier to cling to those distracting 
anxieties, and that tormenting fear, than to lay them 
down at the foot of the cross, and take up, in their 
place, a Christian's unclouded cheerfulness in the 
season of affliction, and triumphant joy in the pros- 
pect of the hour of death, and the ages of eternity? 
Or will you maintain, that the passions and tempers 
eradicated by the Gospel are more friendly to hap- 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



287 



piness than those it implants; and that licentiousness, 
debauchery, pride, profaneness, covetousness, irasci- 
bility, resentment, and selfishness are productive of 
more real enjoyment to the human heart than purity, 
temperance, humility, piety, contentment, meekness, 
forgivingness, and the generous philanthropy of 
Christian love? In other words, will you argue, 
that the more unlike a man's character is to the 
Saviour's, and the more it resembles Satan's, the 
happier, in your judgment, he may hope to be? 
Or finally , will you maintain, that the purest sources 
of earthly enjoyment derive no increased sweetness 
from the smile of God, and the gratitude of a thank- 
ful heart; but are enjoyed with the greatest relish 
by those who forget the Giver in His gifts, and in- 
sult the Author of all their blessings by setting them 
up as idols in the heart from which He has been 
ungratefully dethroned ? 

Will you maintain any of these monstrous posi- 
tions? No, reader, I am well assured you will not. 
You would feel it were an insult to your under- 
standing to attempt the task. What, then, does this 
virtually prove? Why, that you are fully con- 
vinced in your judgment that the Gospel is, indeed, 
promotive of true happiness — that the real Christian 
is unquestionably the happiest of the children of 
men — that the favour of God is the only source of 
satisfying felicity — and that the hope of heaven 
sheds a brightness over the joys and even the sor- 
rows of earth ! 

Yes, such is the deliberate conviction of your 
judgment. Well, then, since you are in search 
of happiness, may I not appeal to you, as a rational 
being, and ask you, why do you not seek for it 
where you are convinced it can alone be found? — • 
Alas! here is the difficulty ! Your judgment is 
convinced, but not your heart ! This is still held 
in bondage to the lusts of the flesh, and the pride of 



288 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

life ! This is still enslaved by earthly appetites, en- 
thralled by earthly objects, or engrossed by earthly 
cares ! I have convinced your understanding, but I 
have not touched your heart — and I cannot ! This 
is work for Him who made it, and for Him alone! 
It is He only who can touch its secret springs — who 
can emancipate its enslaved affections — who can 
free its fettered hopes and desires from the dominion 
of Satan and the entanglements of earth, and fasten 
them on Himself, and on those pure joys that ema- 
nate from the fountain of His love! Yes, reader, 
the Holy Spirit alone can wean your heart from 
earth and earthly things; and, twining its affections 
around a Saviour's cross, enable you to experience 
in that Saviour's love and service what all that have 
ever made the experiment have found— a "joy that 
is unspeakable and full of gloryj" Will you not 
even now beseech of the Blessed Spirit, for the Sa- 
viour's sake, to work this wondrous change in your 
heart ? 

Does not reason call on you, as a rational inquirer 
after happiness, to offer up that prayer? For what 
can you desire in your longings after happiness, be 
your tastes or dispositions what they may, that the 
Gospel does not supply ? Are you one of a ten- 
derer spirit, that centre your hopes of happiness on 
the affections of the heart ? Behold ! I show you in 
the blessed God an object, and the only object, that 
infinitely deserves your love, and can fully satisfy 
the infinite longings of the human heart! And 
while you may lawfully love other objects subor- 
dinately, believe me, till you have learned to love 
God supremely, true happiness must be a stranger 
to your breast. 

Are you of an active, enterprising disposition — 
one who looks to energetic exertion, in some honour- 
able pursuit, as the path to happiness? Behold ! I 
show you, in the service of God our Saviour, a pur- 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



289 



suit and the only one, in which this desire can be 
fully satisfied; and you will be enabled to feel, that 
all your energies are enlisted in the most glorious 
cause and directed to the noblest end which can dig- 
nify the soul of man ! 

Are you covetous of riches? I show you wealth, 
in comparison of which all the gold of Ophir is no- 
thing worth — riches that eternity cannot exhaust — 
the " unsearchable riches of Christ." Is it honour 
you seek after? And what honour that worms of 
the dust can confer, is to be compared with that 
which cometh from God? Or are you an aspirer 
after glory? I show you a "crown of glory that 
fadeth not away — an inheritance incorruptible and 
undefiled — an everlasting kingdom that cannot be 
moved." Is it exalted rank for which you pant? 
Behold! the saints of God — the faithful followers of 
the Lamb, shall " reign as kings and priests unto 
God for ever and ever!" Or is it pleasure for which 
you thirst? Lo, I tell you, not of unsatisfying and 
perishable pleasures, but of the "fulness of joy in 
the presence of God, and at His right hand, pleasures 
for evermore." 

" Happiness, thou lovely name, 

Where's thy seat, oh, tell me, where ? 

Learning, Pleasure, Wealth, and Fame 
All cry out — ' It is not here.' 

Not the wisdom of the wise 

Can inform me where it lies ; 

Nor the grandeur of the great 

Can the bliss I seek create. 



" Object of my first desire, 

Jesus, crucified for me ! 
All to happiness aspire, 

Only to be found in Thee ! 
Thee to praise, and Thee to know, 
Constitute our bliss below; 
Thee to see, and Thee to love, 
Constitute our bliss above. 

25* 



290 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

" Lord, it is not life to live, 

If Thy presence Thou deny ; 
Lord, if Thou Thy presence give, 

5 Tis no longer death to die ; 
Source and giver of repose, 
Singly from Thy smile it flows ; 
Peace and happiness are Thine — 
Mine they are, if Thou art mine." 

Can you read these lines, which imbody in such 
beautiful language the views I have been endeavour- 
ing to unfold, and not offer an earnest prayer that 
the Holy Spirit may enable you from this day to 
adopt them as the language of your heart — and, 
more decisive still, the language of your life ! 

If you offer up this prayer, and it be answered, 
(as assuredly it will, if offered up in sincerity and 
faith,) what a glorious change will immediately pass 
over your present feelings, and future prospects! 
Contemplate that change, as described with such sub- 
limity and beauty, in the contrast drawn by an elo- 
quent divine,* in a sermon on regeneration, between 
the character and condition of a Christian, and those 
of the votary of the world — the slave of sin. 

" Regeneration is of the highest importance to man, as a subject of 
the divine government. With his former disposition he was a rebel 
against God, and with this he becomes cheerfully an obedient subject. 
Of an enemy he becomes a friend ; of an apostate he becomes a child. 
From the debased, hateful, and miserable character of sin, he makes a 
final eseape ; and begins the glorious and eternal career of virtue. With 
his character his destination is equally changed ; in his native condition 
he was a child of wrath, an object of abhorrence, and an heir of wo. 
Evil, in an unceasing and interminable progress was his lot ; the regions 
of sorrow and despair his everlasting home ; and fiends and fiend-like 
men his eternal companions. On this character good beings looked 
with detestation, and on his ruin with pity; while evil beings beheld 
both with that Satanic pleasure, which a reprobate mind can enjoy at 
the sight of companionship in turpitude and destruction. But when he 
becomes a subject of this great and happy change of character, all things 
connected with him are also changed. His unbelief impenitence, hatred 
of God, rejection of Christ, and resistance of the Spirit of grace, he has vo- 
luntarily and ingenuously renounced ; no more rebellious, impious, or un- 
grateful, he has assumed the amiable spirit of submission, repentance, con- 

* The Rev. T. Dwight. 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



291 



fidence, hope, gratitude, and love. The image of his Maker is cnstamped 
upon his mind, and begins there to shine with moral and eternal beauty. 
The seeds of immortality have there sprung up, as in a kindred soil, and 
warmed by the life-giving beams of the Sun of Righteousness, and re- 
freshed by the dewy influence of the Spirit of Grace, rise, bloom, and 
flourish with increasing vigour, in him, sin, and the world, and the 
flesh daily decay, and daily announce their approaching dissolution ; 
while the soul continually assumes new life and virtue, and is animated 
with superior and undying energy. He is now a joint-heir with Christ, 
and the destined inhabitant of heaven ; the gates of glory and of happi- 
ness are already opened to receive him, and the joy of saints and angels 
has been renewed over his repentance; all around him is peace — all be- 
fore him purity and transport. God is his Father, Christ his Redeemer, 
and the Spirit of Truth his Sanctifier. Heaven is his eternal habita- 
tion, virtue is his immortal character, and cherubim and seraphim, and 
all the children of light, are his companions for ever! Henceforth he 
becomes, of course, a rich blessing to the universe: all good beings, nay, 
God Himself, will rejoice in him for ever, as a valuable accession to the 
great kingdom of righteousness, as a real addition to the mass of created 
good, and as an humble but faithful and honourable instrument of the 
everlasting praise of heaven. He is a vessel of infinite mercy; an illus- 
trious trophy of the cross; a gem in the crown of glory, which adorns 
the Redeemer of mankind!" 

Can you read this sublime passage, and still hesi- 
tate to acknowledge, " that to exhort you to be re- 
ligious is only, in other words, to exhort you to 
take your pleasure — a pleasure, high, rational, and 
angelical — a pleasure, embased with no appendant 
sting, no consequent loathing, no remorses or bitter 
farewells — a pleasure made for the soul, and the 
soul for that; suitable to its spirituality, and equal 
to its capacities ; such a one as grows fresher upon 
enjoyment, and though continually fed upon, is 
never devoured — a pleasure that a man may call as 
properly his own, as his soul or his conscience ; 
neither liable to accident, nor exposed to injury? 
It is the foretaste of heaven, and the earnest of eter- 
nity. In a word, it is such a one, as being begun 
in grace, passes into glory, blessedness, and immor- 
tality; and those 'joys that neither eye hath seen, 
nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of 
man to conceive. 5 " 

What will you say to these things? Can you 



#92 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

deny their truth ? And, if you cannot, will you 
reject su ch happiness, and take — what in exchange? 
Oh ! surely Esau's conduct, in preferring a mess of 
pottage to the inheritance of the first born, was 
wisdom compared to yours ! For what is your 
choice? What must it he at the best? An idol 
of dust and ashes in preference to the blessed God ! 
The service of Satan in preference to the Saviour's ! 
Inexhaustible riches sacrificed for a few perishable 
grains of gold dust ! The approbation of a fellow- 
worm preferred to the favour of Jehovah ! A 
wreath that withers in a day, to a crown of unfading 
glory ! A moment of unsatisfying pleasure, to an 
eternity of the fulness of joy ! 

Or is a career of sinful gratification the object of 
your fearful choice? Hear the word of warning, 
and pause before you proceed another step. " Ye 
victims of voluptuousness, ye martyrs of concupis- 
cence, who formerly tasted the pleasures of sin for 
a season, but now are beginning to feel the horrors 
of it for ever; you serve us for demonstration and 
example. Look at those trembling hands, that 
shaking head, those disjointed knees, that faltering 
resolution, that feeble memory, that worn out body, 
all putrefaction ; these are the dreadful rewards 
which vice bestows now, as pledges of what Satan 
will bestow presently, on those on whom he is pre- 
paring to exhaust his fury!" 

Religion will prevent all this; and whatever else, 
in a career of sinful indulgence, is destructive of 
true happiness — " that passion which wastes the 
strength as with a fever; that ambition which wears 
out the frame faster than hard labour ; that malice 
which robs of sleep ; that gambling which forces 
a man backward and forward between the delirium 
of hope and the torture of fear; that gluttony which 
brings on apoplexy; that drunkenness which preys 
as a slow fire on the organs^of life ; that debauchery 



OF TKUE HAPPINESS. 



293 



which corrupts the whole mass of the blood, and 
brings the infirmities of age on the days of youth." 
Contrast what Satan and the Saviour thus offer to 
your acceptance ! and will you then still hesitate in 
your choice ? Will you still prefer the pleasures 
of sin for a season, with an eternity of torment as 
their reward, to the peace of God on earth, and the 
fulness of joy in His presence in heaven, for ever- 
more ? Oh ! madness of the human heart ! What 
a sight for angels ! What a triumph to Satan ! 
How must those benevolent spirits mourn over 
your infatuation ! How must that malignant one 
rejoice, while he scorns you for the choice that you 
have made ! Would, would that I could persuade 
you to awake out of the fatal sleep, in which the 
enemy of your soul has plunged you, with the dia- 
bolical hope, that you will never awaken out of it, 
till death discovers your delusion — too late; and 
you will find yourself his victim, irrecoverably 
lost — for ever ! 

But, perhaps you will say, in reply to my repre- 
sentations, you know several religious professors, 
and they do not appear, if you may judge by their 
melancholy deportment, to have found religion that 
happy service I would represent. 

We have already (Chap, xi.) endeavoured to an- 
swer this objection. But still, I would here advert 
again to the subject, to remove your misconceptions, 
and ask you — Can you not account for this pheno- 
menon, without the Gospel being at all to blame 
for the melancholy you think you have remarked 
in its more serious professors ? Perhaps, from your 
totally erroneous estimate of the nature, the secret 
springs, and outward signs of true happiness, regard- 
ing thoughtless gaiety and noisy merriment as its 
essential characteristics, you have mistaken serious- 
ness for melancholy, and gravity for gloom. You 
have forgotten that though noisy mirth may be no 



294 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

unsuitable characteristic of the animal vivacity, the 
unreflecting glee of childhood, it is utterly unfit to 
characterize the rational and solid satisfaction of 
a matured mind in riper years; much less the deep 
tranquillity and holy elevation of Christian joy. 
So that it is not making a fanciful distinction in this 
matter to say, that, in happiness, the child courts 
companionship, and is noisy — the man retires into 
himself, and is silent — the Christian communes with 
his God, and is thankful. Do not, therefore, imagine 
that religious characters are gloomy, because they 
are grave; or think, that because they do not delight 
in wild gaiety, or noisy mirth, happiness is therefore 
a stranger lo their hearts. 

But other causes may be assigned for what you 
have observed in professedly religious characters. 
Perhaps they were only half-hearted professors, 
halting between two opinions; borderers, wavering 
between the contending claims of the world and the 
Saviour on their affections and lives! They knew 
just enough of the gospel to make them miserable, 
from the consciousness they were not yielding to 
the just requirements of Him whose love it unfolds, 
that supremacy in their hearts which they felt He 
deserved.. And is the gospel to be blamed for this, 
when its only cure would be a full surrender of the 
heart and life to that gospel's claims? 

Perhaps, though sincere, they were weak inquiring 
Christians whom you have observed. They had 
turned their steps toward Zion, but had not yet re- 
alized their precious privileges with sufficient clear- 
ness and strength of faith, to be able as yet to go on 
their heavenward way rejoicing. They were among 
those who sow in tears, and shall reap in joy — among 
the " blessed that mourn, who shall be comforted!" 
You need not shrink from embracing the gospel in- 
vitation, because of such sorrow. Believe me, it is 
immeasurably sweeter than the world's joy! One 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



295 



tear of godly sorrow is worth ten thousand smiles of 
godless mirth! 

Or, perhaps, the religious professors you have 
known were of a naturally grave — almost gloomy 
turn of mind; or of a nervous constitutional tempe- 
rament, which disposed them to look on every ob- 
ject through a darkened medium — and the gospel 
does not profess to change the natural temperament, 
to cure bodily malady, or to work a miracle in a 
disordered state of the mental frame; or, it may be, 
they were brought to the Saviour through the deep 
waters of earthly sorrow, by the death of the dearest 
objects of their earthly love; and though the gospel 
has mingled its divine consolations in their cup of 
trial, it could not bring back the lost of love ! What 
wonder, then, if the lonely survivor walk through a 
desolated world, with a sober, if not saddened step 
— with a peaceful indeed, yet a pensive smile — with 
at times a sorrowful, though not a repining, yea, even 
a thankful heart! What wonder if the bereaved one 
should sometimes, even amidst all the consolations 
that a Saviour has poured into the heart, look back 
on departed joys, and give them the tribute of a 
tear ! 

But let us turn from uninspired human testimony, 
which may be misled or mistaken, to that which can- 
not err, and cannot deceive. 

Hear then the testimony of the Psalmist: — 

'•Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous; and shout 
for joy, all ye that are upright in heart — for it becometh well 
the just to be thankful !" " Blessed is the people that know 
the joyful sound — they shall walk, Lord, in the light of thy 
countenance! In thy name shall they rejoice all the day." 

Hear the testimony of the wisest of mankind: — 

" Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that 
getteth understanding — Length of days is in her right hand, 
and in her left hand riches and honour ! She is a tree of life 
to them that lay hold upon her, and happy is every one that 



296 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

retaineth her! Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all 
her paths are peace." 

Hear the testimony of prophets: — 

" The meek shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor 
among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel ! Hearken 
diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your 
soul delight itself in fatness. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, 
my soul shall be joyful in my God ! For He hath clothed me 
with the garments of salvation — He hath covered me with the 
robe of righteousness. I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in 
the God of my salvation." 

Hear now the apostolical testimony: — 

" Being justified by faith, we have peace with God, and re- 
joice in hope of the glory of God — yea! rejoice with joy un- 
speakable, and full of glory ! — Rejoice in the Lord always, and 
again I say rejoice! Sorrowing, yet always rejoicing — for the 
kingdom of God is righteousness, and peace, and joy in the 
Holy Ghost." 

Listen to the testimony of angels: — 

" Behold I bring you glad tidings of great joy, which shall 
be unto all people — for unto you is born a Saviour, which is 
Christ the Lord !" 

Yea! listen to the voice of the Lord of angels — to 
Him, who is the fountain of all happiness, and can- 
not therefore be deceived in this point — to Him 
who is truth itself, and therefore cannot deceive! 

His recorded judgment in the Beatitudes we have 
already heard. 

Hear Him again : — 

"These things have I spoken unto you that my joy might 
remain in you, and that your joy might be full! Your heart 
shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you! These 
things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace ! 
Peace I leave with you — My peace I give unto you." 

Could even He give more? 

Can you resist such a combination of infallible tes- 
timony? Will you not believe prophets, apostles, 
and angels? Above all, will you not believe the 
blessed God? 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



297 



Let me not, however, be misunderstood — I do not 
wish to deceive you — I do not tell you, that if you 
choose the career I have pointed out, you will thence- 
forward tread a sunny path, undarkened by a cloud; 
and traverse a tranquil sea, unruffled by a storm ! 
No — many a dark cloud will overshadow your path, 
and many a rough blast must you encounter, before 
you reach the sunshine and the shelter of your hea- 
venly home. But the clouds will be " big with 
mercy, and will break in blessings o'er your head;" 
and ihe storms will only serve to speed your hea- 
venward course, and still more endear the prospect 
of the haven of eternal rest. Nor do I tell you that, 
once you enlist in the Saviour's service, you will 
never after heave a sigh, or shed a tear — never fee? 
the bitterness of unsatisfied desire or disappointed 
hope — never be saddened by sorrow or disquieted 
by fear! So far from this, I tell you honestly, that 
religion has sighs and tears, dissatisfactions and dis- 
appointments, sorrows and fears, that are entirely 
her own, and which the worldling can never know. 
But I tell you too (and, in so doing, I speak the 
" words of truth and soberness,") that her sighs — 
the sighs of a broken and contrite spirit; and her 
tears — the tears of godly sorrow for sin — are far, far 
sweeter than the world's gayest smile or loudest 
laugh. I tell you, that her unsatisfied desires for 
continual communion with God, and disappointed 
hopes of attaining perfect conformity to His image 
— her holy fear of offending the Father that she 
loves, and her holy grief at having, in the smallest 
degree, incurred His displeasure, have more true 
happiness in them than the world's brightest hopes 
and most boasted joys! Yes! I assert it, without 
hesitation, that the Christian is happier in his sor- 
rows — even those, which religion herself has in- 
spired, than the worldling in his joys! 

But, you say, perhaps, you are convinced — vou 
26 



■MIMHHI 



298 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

are firmly persuaded that the people of God alone 
are truly happy- — but still, you are unwilling to en- 
rol yourself in their ranks! 

Why, if it be happiness of which you are in search? 
Are you just entering on the career of life? Do, I 
entreat you, make the trial of that path to happiness 
which the gospel points out, and which your own 
judgment cordially approves. Let neither the sug- 
gestions of Satan, the deceitfulness of your own heart, 
nor the ridicule of worldly acquaintances, deter you 
from entering on that only path which (you are your- 
self convinced) can conduct your steps either to peace 
on earth or to happiness in heaven! Let your heart, 
with all its affections, in their freshness — your life, 
in its sweet prime, be consecrated to Him who has 
given you all the blessings you enjoy! Surely, you 
cannot seriously resolve, that you will spend your 
best years, the strength and vigour of your faculties, 
the warm glow of your young affections, in the ser- 
vice of the world, and keep the refuse for God ! — 
Keep the vile dregs of a wasted body, and a worn- 
out spirit, which the world rejects with scorn — keep 
them as an offering good enough for Him who died 
for you on Calvary! You cannot be guilty of such 
horrible impiety and ingratitude as this. 

Besides, just reflect, what a mass you will escape 
of the acutest misery, resulting from the remem- 
brance of sins, that may be forgiven by God, but 
cannot be forgotten by yourself — of souls you may 
have helped to ruin, and cannot now hope to save — 
and of wasted years, and lost opportunities of glori- 
fying God, that may be repented of, but cannot be 
recalled; and what a store you will acquire of the 
sweetest happiness, springing from the retrospect 
(that you will look back upon with delight in hea- 
ven throughout eternity) of a long life, consecrated 
from its opening dawn to a Saviour's service, and 
brightened by the blessings flowing from His love, 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



199 



which you have enjoyed yourself, and been instru- 
mental in imparting to others, by this early dedica- 
tion of yourself to Him who has the fullest right to 
yourwhole heart and life ! " Hasten then," I would 
say to you, in the words of an eloquent writer of our 
day — " Hasten into His presence, fall down at His 
feet, and surrender yourself, and every thing you 
have, to His service! He will graciously accept the 
dedication; and ten thousand ages hence you will be 
still praising Him that you did so; and an unknown 
number will join in blessing Him on your account !" 

But perhaps you have advanced further in the 
journey of life. You have tried many of the paths 
in which the children of the world walk. Let me 
ask you, have you found peace therein? Have you 
found satisfying happiness? Or, if you would answer 
me honestly, must you not add your testimony to 
Solomon's, and say, "All is vanity, and vexation of 
spirit!" Yes! you have been sowing the wind. What 
could you hope to reap but the whirlwind? 

Well, then, why not now try the path which God 
Himself points out? If a traveller in a wilderness, 
parched with intolerable thirst, who had long sought 
in vain for a spring of cooling water, were to meet 
with one whose word he could not doubt, that offered 
to conduct him to a refreshing spring, what would 
you think of that traveller if he refused to listen to 
the voice of this messenger of good tidings? Such 
a voice calls to you, wandering as you are in this 
world's wilderness, scorched with a burning thirst 
for happiness, which you cannot find a spring of 
water in that wilderness to quench ! Hear its gra- 
cious invitation ! " Gome unto Me, and I will give 
you rest! If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, 
and I will give him living water, of which whoso- 
ever drinketh shall never thirst!" Why, oh! why, 
will you not listen to that voice of love? Why so 
cruel to your own soul ? Why rather perish of thirst 



300 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

in the wilderness, than go to Him and take of the 
water of life, which He will give you, and drink 
pure bliss, ay, at the'very fountain-head of happi- 
ness, for ever and ,©ver! 

Or, are you one, whose journey is rapidly drawing 
to its close? Are the shadows of evening darkening 
around you, and have the days come when you must 
say, I have no pleasure in them ? Well, then, though 
your life has been hitherto one great blunder, — 
though you have as yet been only a proof of the 
power of Satan to deceive the children of men, and 
cheat them of true happiness, it is not yet, I would 
fain hope, too late to rectify your mistake. The 
voice of a Saviour's love calls even to you. Only 
obey that voice ! Go even now to Jesus ! And 
though a wasted life has left you but little to offer 
in testimony of your gratitude, at the foot of His 
cross, yet, in the strength of divine" grace, resolve to 
offer even that little ; and, so wonderful is the extent 
of a Saviour's love, and the efficacy of His atone- 
ment, that even that offering, through His prevail- 
ing mediation, will not be despised. 

But I have hitherto addressed you, reader, only 
under one aspect, as an inquirer after happiness! 
There is, however, another, under which I would 
now briefly address you before I close, that of a pro- 
fessing Christian, since this involves a responsibility, 
that must exercise an infinitely, because everlastingly 
important influence on your happiness! 

You profess to believe that " God so loved you, 
as to give His own Son as a propitiation for your 
sins ; ' — that the Son of God so loved you, as to lay 
down His life for you on the cross — and that, unless 
your sins are blotted out in His blood, and your 
soul made meet by the Holy Spirit for the happi- 
ness of a holy heaven, you must perish everlastingly, 
under the overwhelming burden of unpardonable 
guilt, tremendously aggravated by your ungrateful 



OF TRUE HAPPfNESS, 



101 



contempt of the most stupendous manifestation of 
divine love that God Himself could display. 

Now, let me affectionately ask you, lohat influ- 
ence has your professed belief of this stupendous 
display of the love of God exercised over your heart 
and life? Has it awakened in your heart one spark 
of gratitude to God? Do you love Him who (you 
say you believe) so loved you as to die for you on 
Calvary? Are you living to his glory? You call 
Him your Master, Are you devoted to His ser- 
vice? You profess to take Him as your pattern. 
Are you walking in His footsteps? You call Him 
your Saviour. Are you trusting in Him? Your 
Lord. Are you ruled by Him? Your God. Do 
you adore Him?"'* 

If not, is there not something unspeakably awful 
in your conduct towards God? What! Can you 
stand at the foot of the cross, and see the everlasting 
Father there giving you the greatest proof of His 
love even in His power to bestow — His own and 
only Son — and yet feel no gratitude stirring in your 
heart to Him who has given you such a proof of 
His love? Can you stand there — hear the apostle 
crying out, "He spared not His own Son, but de- 
livered Him up for us all!" and still listen with 
cold indifference to that powerful appeal? " Before 
that gift could have been bestowed, the ocean of the 
divine benevolence must have been stirred in all its 
unfathomable depths; should the shallow stream of 
our gratitude be only rippled on the surface? Of all 
His infinite resources, He freely gave the sum; of 
the mite-like penury of our nature, shall we return 

* I would earnestly recommend the perusal of Stevenson's 
" Christ on the Cross," a work, which I cannot conceive it pos- 
sible that any real Christian could read, without a deepened feel- 
ing of love to the Saviour being awakened in his heart — or even 
way professing Christian, without being led to ask — " What have 
I rendered to the Lord in return for stick love ?" 

2'i- 



602 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

Him only a part? To know that 'He, who was 
rich, should for our sakes become poor/ that the 
second Person in the mysterious Godhead should 
have personally descended to our rescue — descended 
from one depth of humiliation to another, till a cross 
arrested His further descent, and made it impossible 
for divine condescension itself to stoop lower — this 
is knowledge, which, as it has moved all heaven, 
should surely be sufficient to move and agitate all 
earth." 

Reader — has this manifestation of divine love 
moved your soul towards Him, who has done so 
much to draw it to Himself? Has it agitated your 
heart with one passing emotion of gratitude to God? 
Or is it' the fearful fact, that this is the only love 
that awakens no responsive affection in your heart — 
that the Friend who died for you is the only friend 
for whom j^ou feel no esteem or regard — and the 
Benefactor, who poured out His blood for you, to 
purchase for you all the blessings of grace and glory, 
is the only benefactor whose kindness kindles no 
thankfulness in your breast? 

If this be so, can you be happy, with the con- 
sciousness of such revolting ingratitude staring you 
in the face ? Can you be safe with the load of such 
accumulated guilt lying on your soul? You may 
see this despised Saviour face to face this night! 
What would be your feelings, were this to be the 
ease? You must thus see Him ere long! With 
what anticipations can you look forward to the meet- 
ing? Must not the sense of your ingratitude to God 
iill you with self-reproach ? Must not the prospect 
of everlasting banishment from His presence fill 
you with alarm? And can you, with such feelings, 
and such a prospect, enjoy one moment of happiness 
— at least of what, as a rational and immortal being, 
you can deem deserving of the name? 

Are you then ready to cry out— "Almost thou 



OF TKUE HAPPINESS. 



303 



persuadest me to be a Christian ?" Oh, remember 
— an almost Christian shall never inherit the pro- 
mises of the Gospel! To be almost saved is to be 
altogether lost ! Almost to reach the goal, butto 
lose the prize for ever! Almost to reach the rock, 
but to engulf in the abyss. Almost to be admitted 
into the kingdom of heaven, but to be everlastingly 
shut up in the prison-house of hell ! Do be per- 
suaded to be not merely an almost but an altogether 
Christian, living entirely in Christ, by Christ, and 
for Christ — and then you will be altogether saved 
in Him, with a perfect and everlasting salvation, 
which will bring present peace on earth, and eter- 
nal happiness in heaven. 

But, perhaps, you are satisfied for the present — 
your health is unbroken — your spirits buoyant — and 
you are content with such gratifications (poor and 
perishable though they be) as the world can give, 
leaving it to those who prefer celestial food, to feed 
on the fruits of the tree of life. 

Remember, however, that there are seasons coming 
when these poor and perishable gratifications must 
all fail, and if you have nothing else to lean upon 
for support or comfort, you will be, emphatically, a 
miserable object. 

The season of sorrow will come ! What will 
you do then ? To whom will you turn for conso- 
lation ? To your gay companions? They will de- 
sert you. To the remembrance of past pleasures ? 
It will torture you. To the world you have ido- 
lized ? It has no balm for a wounded heart. To 
the God whose love you have slighted — whose very 
existence you have practically denied? Will you 
not fear to look to Him in affliction, whom in pros- 
perity you have insulted and despised ? Would 
not one hour of a Christian's consolation — one smile 
of a Saviour's love — be then felt to be worth all the 
gratifications this world ever gave ? 



304 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

The hour of death will come! What will you 
do then ? When the world is giving way under 
your feet — eternity opening on your view — your 
body tortured with pain, or sinking in decay — your 
soul hovering on the brink of a dark and fearful 
abyss, unillumined by one ray of light from heaven, 
down which it dare not look, yet must plunge into 
its blackness of darkness for ever — when all that 
meets your view is — an angry God — a dissolving- 
frame — a departing world — a yawning hell. What! 
oh! what will you do then? Could you witness, 
as the minister is often obliged to do, the death-beds 
of those who have lived without God in the world, 
and who, dying without an interest in Christ, die 
without hope — -could you see the expression of un- 
utterable horror that gathers over their dying fea- 
tures — could }^ou hear their appalling death-shriek 
of despair — you would not, believe me, you would 
not, lest that tremendous threatening — "Because I 
have called, and you refused, I will laugh at your 
calamity, I will mock when your fear cometh!" — 
should be fulfilled in you — you would not leave 
preparation for death to a dying hour! Hear, now, 
in contrast, what are a Christian's feelings in the 
prospect of death! "In general," says the biogra- 
pher of the heavenly-minded Archbishop Leighton, 
"his temper was serene rather than gay; but his 
nephew states, that if ever it rose to an unusual pitch 
of vivacity, it was when some illness attacked him: 
—when, ' from the shaking of the prison doors he 
was led to hope, that some of those brisk blasts 
would throw them open, and give him the release 
he coveted.' Then he seemed to stand tiptoe on 
the margin of eternity, in a delightful amazement of 
spirit, eagerly waiting the summons to depart, and 
feeding his soul with the prospect of immortal life 
and glory. Sometimes, while contemplating his 



OF TKU.E HAPPINESS. 



305 



future resting-place, he would break out into that 
noble apostrophe of pious George Herbert: — 

'O let me roost and nestle there! 
Then of a sinner Thou art rid, 
And I of hope and fear.' " 

Reader! would not all this world ever gave its 
votaries be well exchanged for such feelings in the 
hour of death ? But death is not the most awful 
scene that awaits you ! Its terrors, however appal- 
ling, must terminate as soon as it has banished the 
immortal spirit from its tenement of clay and ushered 
it into eternity — but, then — 

The day of judgment ivill come ! And what will 
you do then? Yes! "He that cometh will come! 
— for behold He cometh with clouds, and every eye 
shall see Him." How soon, who can tell? For 
we know not now the day, nor the hour, when He 
may come! But we do know, that ere long "the 
trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised." 
The Lord Jesus Christ — the crucified One of Calvary 
— will be revealed from heaven in flaming fire, with 
ten thousand times ten thousand angels! From 
before His face the heavens and the earth shall flee 
away! "Then shall He sit upon the throne of His 
glory — the judgment shall be set, and the books 
opened" — and you shall stand before His judgment 
seat ! You, if you persevere and perish in your pre- 
sent state, you in that day, shall find that "it will 
be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah, than 
for you !" For your inexcusable guilt, in despising 
a Saviour's love, will be then seen and felt to be in- 
finitely more aggravated than theirs! Then shall 
you be placed at the left hand of Him that sitteth 
on the throne; and He shall say to you — "Depart 
from Me, thou cursed one, into everlasting fire, pre- 
pared for the devil and his angels!" Reader, is this 



306 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

world worth exposing thy soul, for its sake, to such 
a sentence as this? 

But even this is not the worst, for even this day 
of terror will pass away. Even this is only the 
beginning of sorrows, but they are sorrows that will 
never end; for 

The ages of eternity will come! And what a 
thought! To you they will be ages of eternal wo! 
Oh! to be everlastingly tormented in that flame that 
never can be quenched! To feel the everlasting 
gnawings of that worm that can never die! To be 
plunging deeper and deeper, throughout eternity, 
into the dark bottomless abyss of inconceivable de- 
spair! To endure, without a moment's mitigation, 
throughout endless ages, anguish most bitter, "weep- 
ing, wailing, and gnashing of teeth" — a full appre- 
ciation of what has been rejected, and an agonizing 
consciousness of what is incurred — the total absence 
of hope — "the blackness of darkness," to be known 
and felt, "for ever and ever." 

It is too horrible to think oV. What will it be 
to endure? The very idea is too dreadful. What 
will be the reality? The mere vision of hell is 
intolerable. What a home will hell itself be to 
dwell in for eternity ! Are you resolved to make 
the fearful experiment? God in His infinite mercy 
forbid! It is this which stamps such madness on 
your choice, reader, in preferring Satan to God as a 
'master, and hell to heaven as a home! It is this 
appalling consideration, that you cannot give up the 
prospect of being eternally happy with God in hea- 
ven, without incurring the penalty of being eternally 
miserable with Satan in hell! There is no interme- 
diate state — -God or Satan must be your Master — 
heaven or hell must be your home — for ever, and 
ever, and ever! Which will you choose? Are 
you in the possession of reason, and can you still 
hesitate" in your choice? Will you not, will you 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



307 



not this day spread throughout heaven the joy that 
is in the presence of the angels of God over one 
sinner that repenteth? 



But I forbear! Stronger 



I cannot 



advance. More awakening considerations I cannot 
urge. I can only pray, that the Spirit of God may 
bring these with power to your soul — that He may 
speak u who calls to things that are not, and they 
come" — that He may cry out to your dead soul, 
slumbering in the grave of its corruptions, "Come 
forth \" — that so it may start up at the sound of His 
Almighty voice, and live in the newness of spiritual 
life, to the glory of God! 

Let me, then, conjure you. at parting, as you would 
not behold, with unutterable terror, the Son of Man 
coming in the clouds of heaven, with power and great 
glory — as you would not hear that dreadful sentence 
from His lips — as you would not spend eternity in 
weeping, and wailing, and gnashingof teeth; or,rather, 
as it is your everlasting happiness I so ardently desire 
to promote, I conjure you, by all the pure and satis- 
fying pleasures that the love and service of God can 
confer on earth and in heaven — by all the consolations 
and hopes that comfort and support the Christian in 
the season of sorrow and the hour of death — by all 
the blessedness that will be their portion in the day 
of judgment and throughout the ages of eternity — by 
the crovvn of glory that will encircle the brows of 
the redeemed, and the songs of praise they will lift 
up before the Redeemer's throne — in a word, by all 
that is included of unutterable, inconceivable bliss 
in that one brief sentence — "In Thy presence is 
fulness of joy, and at Thy right hand, pleasures for 
evermore!" — by all this, I conjure you no longer to 
forsake your own mercies — no longer to be the mur- 
derer of your own immortal soul — no longer to sacri- 
fice for the trifles of time the joys and glories of 
eternity; but now — even now — to listen with a 



308 THE GOSPEL PROMOTIVE 

grateful heart to the voice of Him who left heaven 
for your sake — and whose smile itself is heaven to 
the soul. Listen to His voice, calling to you — 
"Come unto Me, and I will give you rest — rest in 
My love on earth from all that disquiets the heart of 
man — rest in My righteousness from the wrath of 
God — rest in My service from the slavery of Yin — 
and in My presence in heaven, perfect, untroubled, 
everlasting rest!" 

May the eternal Spirit, reader, enable you to com- 
ply with this gracious invitation ; and then indeed 
you shall find rest unto your soul ! Happiness will 
thenceforward take up its abode in your breast — 
not that wretched counterfeit which cheats the 
children of the world, clouded through the entire of 
its brief career with continual anxiety and disappoint- 
ment; and closing, amidst the shadows of death, in 
the darkness of everlasting despair ! — but that satis- 
fying reality which is the exclusive portion of the 
children of God — which, like its divine Author and 
object, comes from God, and, when its earthly career 
is closed, like Him, returns to God — partaking of His 
own nature and immortality, and, with still pro- 
gressive brightness, "shining more and more unto 
the perfect day" of heaven's unclouded and eternal 
bliss! Once this happiness is secured, what will you 
have to fear? What can rob you of a possession that 
is in the keeping of God Himself, or intercept the 
joy that comes direct from Him? 

Is it sorrow ? Sorrow will only deepen it, by 
drawing you nearer to its Fountain-head ! 

Is it death? Death will only invest it with the 
hues of heaven, and stamp on it the impress of im- 
mortality ! 

Is it the judgment-day? That will be the day 
of your triumph — your coronation-day — when He 
that sitteth upon the Throne, regarding you with a 
smile of ineffable love, shall place you, with all the 



OF TRUE HAPPINESS. 



509 



members of His blood-bought church, at His right 
hand, and put on you a crown of glory, and say to 
you before the assembled universe — "Come, thou 
blessed of my Father! inherit the kingdom prepared 
for you, from the foundation of the world!" Is it 
the ages of eternity? As its endless ages are rolling 
on, your happiness, flowing from His presence and 
centred in His love, continually receiving fresh ac- 
cessions from fresh discoveries of His grace and 
manifestations of His glory, will be enlarging bright- 
ening;, deepening, with an everlasting increase. 

Christian reader! behold thine inheritance! Do 
I demand too much, wmen I demand from thee the 
entire devotedness of thy whole heart and life, as the 
proof of thy gratitude to the God of thy salvation — 
the Father, who has prepared for thee this inheritance 
from everlasting — the Son, who has purchased it for 
thee with His own precious blood — and the Spirit, 
who has taken up His abode in thine heart, to make 
thee meet for its everlasting enjoy/nent? 



THE END. 



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